Orientation and dynamics of transmembrane peptides: the power of simple models.
In this review we discuss recent insights obtained from well-characterized model systems into the factors that determine the orientation and tilt angles of transmembrane peptides in lipid bilayers. We will compare tilt angles of synthetic peptides with those of natural peptides and proteins, and we will discuss how tilt can be modulated by hydrophobic mismatch between the thickness of the bilayer and the length of the membrane spanning part of the peptide or protein. In particular, we will focus on results obtained on tryptophan-flanked model peptides (WALP peptides) as a case study to illustrate possible consequences of hydrophobic mismatch in molecular detail and to highlight the importance of peptide dynamics for the experimental determination of tilt angles. We will conclude with discussing some future prospects and challenges concerning the use of simple peptide/lipid model systems as a tool to understand membrane structure and function.
Holt
Andrea
A
Biochemistry of Membranes, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, 3584CH Utrecht, The Netherlands. a.holt@nki.nl
Killian
J Antoinette
JA
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D010455:Peptides