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Updated: Feb 11, 2026
Spectral Reflectometric Microscopy on Myelinated Axons In Situ
Published on: July 2, 2018
Interaction of Myelin Basic Protein with Myelin-like Lipid Monolayers at Air-Water Interface
Katharina Widder1, Jennica Träger1, Andreas Kerth1
1Institut für Chemie , Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg , Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4 , 06120 Halle (Saale) , Germany.
Abstract:
Interaction of myelin basic protein (MBP) and the cytoplasmic leaflets of the oligodendrocyte membrane is essential for the formation and compaction of the myelin sheath of the central nervous system and is altered aberrantly and implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis. To gain more detailed insights into this interaction, the adsorption of MBP to model lipid monolayers of similar composition to the myelin of the central nervous system was studied at the air-water interface with monolayer adsorption experiments. Measuring the surface pressure and the related maximum insertion pressure of MBP for different myelin-like lipid monolayers provided information about the specific role of each of the single lipids in the myelin. Depending on the ratio of negatively charged lipids to uncharged lipids and the distance between charges, the adsorption process was found to be determined by two counteracting effects: (i) protein incorporation, resulting in an increasing surface pressure and (ii) lipid condensation due to electrostatic interaction between the positively charged protein and negatively charged lipids, resulting in a decreasing surface pressure. Although electrostatic interactions led to high insertion pressures, the associated lipid condensation lowered the fluidity of the myelin-like monolayer.
Insights
Myelin basic protein (MBP) interaction with lipid membranes is key for central nervous system myelin. This study reveals how lipid composition influences MBP adsorption, impacting myelin structure and potentially neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Myelin basic protein (MBP) interaction with oligodendrocyte membranes is crucial for central nervous system (CNS) myelin sheath formation and compaction.
- Aberrant MBP interactions are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adsorption of MBP to model lipid monolayers mimicking CNS myelin composition.
- To elucidate the specific roles of individual lipids in myelin structure and MBP interaction.
Main Methods:
- Monolayer adsorption experiments at the air-water interface.
- Measurement of surface pressure and maximum insertion pressure of MBP.
- Analysis of MBP adsorption to various myelin-like lipid monolayers.
Main Results:
- MBP adsorption is influenced by the ratio and charge spacing of negatively charged and uncharged lipids.
- Two counteracting effects govern adsorption: protein incorporation (increasing surface pressure) and lipid condensation (decreasing surface pressure) via electrostatic interactions.
- Electrostatic interactions promote high insertion pressures but decrease monolayer fluidity due to lipid condensation.
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed insights into MBP-lipid interactions at the molecular level.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for comprehending myelin formation and the pathogenesis of myelin-related disorders.
- Lipid composition critically modulates MBP adsorption, affecting myelin structure and fluidity.
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