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Molecular belt models for the apolipoprotein A-I Paris and Milano mutations

A E Klon1, M K Jones, J P Segrest

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294 USA.

Biophysical Journal
|September 2, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Models reveal how two mutant apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) forms bind lipids in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles. These structures suggest apo A-I utilizes a belt conformation for lipid binding in discoidal HDL.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Structural Biology
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) is the primary protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
  • Mutations in apo A-I, such as apo A-I(Milano) and apo A-I(Paris), can affect HDL structure and function.
  • Understanding apo A-I's interaction with lipids is crucial for comprehending HDL assembly and reverse cholesterol transport.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop structural models for the binding of two apo A-I mutants, apo A-I(R173C)(Milano) and apo A-I(R151C)(Paris), to discoidal HDL particles.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of apo A-I interaction with lipid bilayers in the context of HDL.

Main Methods:

  • Development of molecular models based on the carboxy-terminal domain of apo A-I mutants.
  • Analysis of monomer-monomer interactions and orientation relative to the lipid bilayer.
  • Comparison of model structures with experimental data on reconstituted HDL particles.

Main Results:

  • Models show two mutant apo A-I monomers binding lipids in an antiparallel orientation.
  • A single disulfide-linked homodimer is formed, with helical repeats perpendicular to the lipid bilayer.
  • The overall structures of apo A-I(Milano) and apo A-I(Paris) models are highly similar, differing in helix registration.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed models are consistent with experimental observations of reconstituted HDL particle sizes.
  • These findings support the 'belt' conformation model for apo A-I binding to lipids in discoidal HDL.
  • Structural insights into apo A-I mutants provide a basis for understanding their functional consequences.

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