Proton long-range migration along protein monolayers and its consequences on membrane coupling

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Membrane protein studies
• Proton transport mechanisms

Background:

• Proton transfer across biological interfaces is crucial for cellular energy processes.
• Previous studies indicated slow proton transfer and lateral conduction along lipid layers and purple membranes.
• Understanding proton dynamics in biological systems is essential for deciphering cellular functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the possibility of long-range proton lateral transfer along pure protein films.
• To determine the factors controlling proton pathways in protein assemblies.
• To explore the role of protein-protein interactions in regulating proton conduction.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing pure protein films to study proton transfer dynamics.
• Analyzing the influence of protein packing and reorganization on proton pathways.
• Investigating the switching between interfacial and delocalized proton conduction.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that protons can undergo long-range lateral transfer along a pure protein film.
• Showcased that protein packing density significantly controls the efficiency of proton conduction.
• Identified that subtle changes in protein-protein contacts can switch proton pathways.

Conclusions:

• Pure protein films can support long-range proton lateral conduction, similar to biological membranes.
• Protein-protein interactions and their structural arrangements are critical regulators of proton transport.
• These findings offer insights into biological switches controlling proton flow in cellular systems.