Changes in single K(+) channel behavior induced by a lipid phase transition.
We show that the activity of an ion channel is correlated with the phase state of the lipid bilayer hosting the channel. By measuring unitary conductance, dwell times, and open probability of the K(+) channel KcsA as a function of temperature in lipid bilayers composed of POPE and POPG in different relative proportions, we obtain that all those properties show a trend inversion when the bilayer is in the transition region between the liquid-disordered and the solid-ordered phase. These data suggest that the physical properties of the lipid bilayer influence ion channel activity likely via a fine-tuning of its conformations. In a more general interpretative framework, we suggest that other parameters such as pH, ionic strength, and the action of amphiphilic drugs can affect the physical behavior of the lipid bilayer in a fashion similar to temperature changes resulting in functional changes of transmembrane proteins.
Centro S3, CNR-Istituto Nanoscienze, Modena, Italy.
Heiko M
HM
Seeger
Laura
L
Aldrovandi
Andrea
A
Alessandrini
Paolo
P
Facci
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology*; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry; D044367:Phase Transition; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines / Q000737:chemistry*; D010715:Phosphatidylglycerols / Q000737:chemistry*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D048170:Streptomyces lividans / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines; D010715:Phosphatidylglycerols; D015221:Potassium Channels; C107790:prokaryotic potassium channel; C057561:1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylethanolamine; C060037:1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylglycero-3-phosphoglycerol