Heat-induced changes in lupin seed γ-conglutin structure promote its interaction with model phospholipid membranes

A number of scientific data indicate that γ-conglutin can be internalised by different human cells and undergoes secretion from the seed in response to high temperature. In both of these cases, the protein must interact in some manner with biological membranes, however, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unknown. Herein, we found that the remarkable change of total surface hydrophobicity after appropriate heat treatment of γ-conglutin monomer led to its interaction with model membranes (liposomes). Before the interaction, the protein undergoes an intriguing thermal unfolding pattern which was studied based on a spectroscopic approach. Insight into the interaction mechanism with liposomes was possible thanks to applying two molecular probes that were differentially localised in the lipid bilayer. The results show that the thermal rearranged γ-coglutin monomer affects hydrocarbon chains in model membranes leading to their morphology change and disruption. The main driving force of this phenomenon is based on hydrophobic interaction.