title: Field-induced reorganization of the neural membrane lipid bilayer: a proposed role in the regulation of ion-channel dynamics.
abstract: We present a computational model demonstrating that an electric field propagating in the plane of the neural membrane during transmembrane ion movement creates lateral concentration gradients of the lipids. Due to this field-induced reorganization, ethenes of the lipid chains become aligned and polarized. This finding is interpreted within the context of molecular studies of protein folding in biological membranes. We propose that electrostatic interactions between membrane dipoles and charged amino acid residues of the unfolded ion-channel protein regulate protein-folding kinetics (channel closing). These electrostatic interactions thus regulate electrical signaling in neurons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Stetson University, Deland, FL 32720-3756, USA. hprice@stetson.edu
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wallace
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007257:Information Theory; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008959:Models, Neurological; D015398:Signal Transduction; D055672:Static Electricity
chemical_list: D007473:Ion Channels; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008565:Membrane Proteins