A mathematical model for protein-induced lipid vesicle leakage: interaction of the intermediate filament protein vimentin and its isolated N-terminus with phosphatidylinositol vesicles.
A mathematical model was developed to analyze the leakage of phosphatidylinositol small unilamellar vesicles induced by the intermediate filament protein vimentin and its isolated N-terminal polypeptide. This model describes the kinetic and steady-state characteristics of this vesicle leakage as a direct action of protein on the lipid bilayer. Moreover, qualitative information at the molecular level can be deduced about protein-protein or protein-lipid interactions from the derived initial rate of vesicle leakage and the value of vesicle leakage at steady-state condition as a function of the protein concentration. Additionally, quantitative data on the inhibitory effect of various substances (here Ca2+ or Mg2+) can also be derived. This approach offers a possibility to compare interactions occurring within different protein-lipid systems by determining the characteristic parameters for the respective kinetic and steady-state conditions.
Horkovics-Kovats
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Max-Planck-Institut für Zellbiologie, Ladenburg, Germany.
Traub
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D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000378:metabolism*; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological; D010716:Phosphatidylinositols / Q000378:metabolism; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D014746:Vimentin / Q000378:metabolism
D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D010716:Phosphatidylinositols; D011506:Proteins; D014746:Vimentin