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Micron-scale phase segregation in lipid monolayers induced by myelin basic protein in the presence of a cholesterol

C M Rosetti1, B Maggio, N Wilke

  • 1Departamento de Física, CAC, CNEA, Av. Gral Paz 1499 B6000XAL Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|November 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Myelin basic protein (MBP) triggers lipid and cholesterol phase segregation in myelin monolayers. This segregation is tunable by altering lipid composition and salt concentration, impacting protein distribution.

Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Neuroscience
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Myelin basic protein (MBP) previously demonstrated to induce phase segregation in myelin lipid films.
  • This segregation results in protein accumulation separate from cholesterol-rich lipid phases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate factors regulating MBP-induced phase segregation in myelin lipid monolayers.
  • To analyze the influence of salt concentration and lipid composition on this segregation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized fluorescent microscopy to study lipid monolayers.
  • Employed binary and ternary lipid mixtures containing dihydrocholesterol and phospholipids.
  • Varied subphase salt concentration and lipid composition.

Main Results:

  • MBP-induced phase segregation is dependent on dihydrocholesterol presence.
  • Electrolyte concentration and non-sterol lipid composition further regulate this segregation.
  • Changes in lipid composition or ionic strength modify MBP surface density and its environment.

Conclusions:

  • MBP-induced phase segregation in myelin models is a complex process influenced by multiple factors.
  • Lipid composition and ionic strength are key regulators of protein-lipid interactions and phase behavior.

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