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Updated: May 9, 2026

In Vesiculo Synthesis of Peptide Membrane Precursors for Autonomous Vesicle Growth
Published on: June 28, 2019
Acyl transfer from membrane lipids to peptides is a generic process.
Robert H Dods1, Burkhard Bechinger, Jackie A Mosely
1Department of Chemistry, Biophysical Sciences Institute, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
Acyl transfer from phospholipids to membrane-active peptides is a common process, even with diverse lipid compositions. This suggests phospholipid membranes are not chemically inert towards peptides and proteins.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Membrane Biology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Membrane-active peptides interact with phospholipid bilayers.
- The chemical reactivity of phospholipids with peptides is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the generality of acyl transfer from phospholipids to various membrane-active peptides.
- To determine if phospholipid membranes are chemically inert towards peptides.
Main Methods:
- Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of peptide-lipid mixtures.
- Tandem mass spectrometry for identifying acylation sites.
- Experiments using liposomes with varying lipid compositions (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol).
Main Results:
- Acyl transfer was detected for all examined peptides under various membrane compositions.
- Melittin and magainin II showed significant acylation at N-terminal and internal sites.
- Acylation occurred from multiple phospholipid types, including phosphatidylcholine.
Conclusions:
- Acyl transfer is a generic process for peptides interacting with diacylglycerophospholipid membranes.
- Phospholipid membranes are not chemically inert towards peptides and proteins.
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