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Structural Changes Induced by Resveratrol in Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Phosphatidylcholine-Enriched Model
Rusina Hazarosova1, Albena Momchilova1, Victoria Vitkova2
1Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Membranes
|December 22, 2023
Summary
Resveratrol (Resv) alters cell membrane organization differently based on lipid composition and Resv concentration. It can rigidify membranes or fluidize/rigidify them dose-dependently, impacting cell functions.
Area of Science:
- Membrane Biophysics
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Resveratrol (Resv) exhibits beneficial properties like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- These effects may involve Resv's interaction with cell plasma membranes.
- Understanding Resv's membrane interactions is crucial for elucidating its biological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of Resveratrol on the order and organization of model cell membranes.
- To examine how lipid composition and Resveratrol concentration affect membrane properties.
- To explore the potential role of Resv in modulating membrane lipid dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) species (PDPC or POPC), sphingomyelin (SM), and cholesterol (Chol).
- Analyzed the effects of Resveratrol addition on membrane lipid order and liquid-ordered (Lo) domain formation.
- Investigated dose-dependent effects of Resveratrol on different lipid compositions.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol's effect on membrane organization varied with fatty acid unsaturation and lipid ratios.
- In POPC-containing membranes, Resv increased membrane rigidity and Lo domain formation.
- In PDPC-containing membranes, Resv exhibited a bimodal effect, fluidizing then rigidifying membranes in a dose-dependent manner, affecting Lo domain size.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol acts as a membrane-active molecule, influencing lipid order and organization.
- Resveratrol's mechanism of action may involve acting as a 'spacer' at low doses and a 'filler' at higher doses.
- Resveratrol's ability to tune membrane properties could be linked to its role in cell functions like membrane trafficking.
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