Field-induced reorganization of the neural membrane lipid bilayer: a proposed role in the regulation of ion-channel dynamics.
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.
Price
Harry
H
Department of Chemistry, Stetson University, Deland, FL 32720-3756, USA. hprice@stetson.edu
Wallace
Ron
R
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
D007473:Ion Channels; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008565:Membrane Proteins