1
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Bento-Oliveira A, Starosta R, de Almeida RFM. Interaction of the antifungal ketoconazole and its diphenylphosphine derivatives with lipid bilayers: Insights into their antifungal action. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 753:109919. [PMID: 38307316 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Ketoconazole (Ke) is an important antifungal drug, and two of its diphenylphosphinemethyl derivatives (KeP: Ph2PCH2-Ke and KeOP: Ph2P(O)CH2-Ke) have shown improved antifungal activity, namely against a yeast strain lacking ergosterol, suggesting alternative modes of action for azole compounds. In this context, the interactions of these compounds with a model of the cell membrane were investigated, using POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) large unilamellar vesicles and taking advantage of the intrinsic fluorescence of Ke, KeP and KeOP. Steady-state fluorescence spectra and anisotropy, including partition and aggregation studies, as well as fluorescence lifetime measurements, were carried out. In addition, the ability of the compounds to increase membrane permeability was assessed through carboxyfluorescein leakage. The membrane/water mole fraction partition coefficients (Kp,x): (3.31 ± 0.36) x105, (8.31 ± 1.60) x105 and (4.66 ± 0.72) x106, for Ke, KeP and KeOP, respectively, show that all three compounds have moderate to high affinity for the lipid bilayer. Moreover, KeP, and particularly KeOP interact more efficiently with POPC bilayers than Ke, which correlates well with their in vitro antifungal activity. Furthermore, although the three compounds disturb the lipid bilayer, KeOP is the quickest and most efficient one. Hence, the higher affinity and ability to permeabilize the membrane of KeOP when compared to that of KeP, despite the higher lipophilicity of the latter, points to an important role of Ph2P(O)CH2- oxygen. Overall, this work suggests that membrane interactions are important for the antifungal activity of these azoles and should be considered in the design of new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Bento-Oliveira
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Radosław Starosta
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal; Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rodrigo F M de Almeida
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
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2
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Akkerman V, Scheidt HA, Reinholdt P, Bashawat M, Szomek M, Lehmann M, Wessig P, Covey DF, Kongsted J, Müller P, Wüstner D. Natamycin interferes with ergosterol-dependent lipid phases in model membranes. BBA ADVANCES 2023; 4:100102. [PMID: 37691996 PMCID: PMC10482743 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2023.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natamycin is an antifungal polyene macrolide that is used as a food preservative but also to treat fungal keratitis and other yeast infections. In contrast to other polyene antimycotics, natamycin does not form ion pores in the plasma membrane, but its mode of action is poorly understood. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of deuterated sterols, we find that natamycin slows the mobility of ergosterol and cholesterol in liquid-ordered (Lo) membranes to a similar extent. This is supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which additionally reveal a strong impact of natamycin dimers on sterol dynamics and water permeability. Interference with sterol-dependent lipid packing is also reflected in a natamycin-mediated increase in membrane accessibility for dithionite, particularly in bilayers containing ergosterol. NMR experiments with deuterated sphingomyelin (SM) in sterol-containing membranes reveal that natamycin reduces phase separation and increases lipid exchange in bilayers with ergosterol. In ternary lipid mixtures containing monounsaturated phosphatidylcholine, saturated SM, and either ergosterol or cholesterol, natamycin interferes with phase separation into Lo and liquid-disordered (Ld) domains, as shown by NMR spectroscopy. Employing the intrinsic fluorescence of natamycin in ultraviolet-sensitive microscopy, we can visualize the binding of natamycin to giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and find that it has the highest affinity for the Lo phase in GUVs containing ergosterol. Our results suggest that natamycin specifically interacts with the sterol-induced ordered phase, in which it disrupts lipid packing and increases solvent accessibility. This property is particularly pronounced in ergosterol containing membranes, which could underlie the selective antifungal activity of natamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibeke Akkerman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Holger A. Scheidt
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Reinholdt
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Mohammad Bashawat
- Department of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstr. 43, D-10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Szomek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Max Lehmann
- Institute for Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, D-14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Pablo Wessig
- Institute for Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, D-14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jacob Kongsted
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Peter Müller
- Department of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstr. 43, D-10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Wüstner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
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3
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Xie J, Rybak JM, Martin-Vicente A, Guruceaga X, Thorn HI, Nywening AV, Ge W, Parker JE, Kelly SL, Rogers PD, Fortwendel JR. The sterol C-24 methyltransferase encoding gene, erg6, is essential for viability of Aspergillus species. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.08.552489. [PMID: 37609350 PMCID: PMC10441335 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.08.552489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Ergosterol is a critical component of fungal plasma membranes. Although many currently available antifungal compounds target the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway for antifungal effect, current knowledge regarding ergosterol synthesis remains incomplete for filamentous fungal pathogens like Aspergillus fumigatus. Here, we show for the first time that the lipid droplet-associated sterol C-24 methyltransferase, Erg6, is essential for A. fumigatus viability. We further show that this essentiality extends to additional Aspergillus species, including A. lentulus, A. terreus, and A. nidulans. Neither the overexpression of a putative erg6 paralog, smt1, nor the exogenous addition of ergosterol could rescue erg6 deficiency. Importantly, Erg6 downregulation results in a dramatic decrease in ergosterol and accumulation in lanosterol and is further characterized by diminished sterol-rich plasma membrane domains (SRDs) at hyphal tips. Unexpectedly, erg6 repressed strains demonstrate wild-type susceptibility against the ergosterol-active triazole and polyene antifungals. Finally, repressing erg6 expression reduced fungal burden accumulation in a murine model of invasive aspergillosis. Taken together, our studies suggest that Erg6, which shows little homology to mammalian proteins, is potentially an attractive antifungal drug target for therapy of Aspergillus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Xie
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Rybak
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Xabier Guruceaga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Harrison I. Thorn
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Ashley V. Nywening
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Wenbo Ge
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Josie E. Parker
- Molecular Biosciences Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Steven L. Kelly
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - P. David Rogers
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jarrod R. Fortwendel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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4
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Real Hernandez LM, Levental I. Lipid packing is disrupted in copolymeric nanodiscs compared with intact membranes. Biophys J 2023; 122:2256-2266. [PMID: 36641625 PMCID: PMC10257115 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Discoidal lipid-protein nanoparticles known as nanodiscs are widely used tools in structural and membrane biology. Amphipathic, synthetic copolymers have recently become an attractive alternative to membrane scaffold proteins for the formation of nanodiscs. Such copolymers can directly intercalate into, and form nanodiscs from, intact membranes without detergents. Although these copolymer nanodiscs can extract native membrane lipids, it remains unclear whether native membrane properties are also retained. To determine the extent to which bilayer lipid packing is retained in nanodiscs, we measured the behavior of packing-sensitive fluorescent dyes in various nanodisc preparations compared with intact lipid bilayers. We analyzed styrene-maleic acid (SMA), diisobutylene-maleic acid (DIBMA), and polymethacrylate (PMA) as nanodisc scaffolds at various copolymer-to-lipid ratios and temperatures. Measurements of Laurdan spectral shifts revealed that dimyristoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) nanodiscs had increased lipid headgroup packing compared with large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) above the lipid melting temperature for all three copolymers. Similar effects were observed for DMPC nanodiscs stabilized by membrane scaffolding protein MSP1E1. Increased lipid headgroup packing was also observed when comparing nanodiscs with intact membranes composed of binary mixtures of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphocholine (POPC) and di-palmitoyl-phosphocholine (DPPC), which show fluid-gel-phase coexistence. Similarly, Laurdan reported increased headgroup packing in nanodiscs for biomimetic mixtures containing cholesterol, most notable for relatively disordered membranes. The magnitudes of these ordering effects were not identical for the various copolymers, with SMA being the most and DIBMA being the least perturbing. Finally, nanodiscs derived from mammalian cell membranes showed similarly increased lipid headgroup packing. We conclude that nanodiscs generally do not completely retain the physical properties of intact membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Real Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Ilya Levental
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
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5
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Martinho N, Marquês JMT, Todoriko I, Prieto M, de Almeida RF, Silva LC. Effect of Cisplatin and Its Cationic Analogues in the Phase Behavior and Permeability of Model Lipid Bilayers. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:918-928. [PMID: 36700695 PMCID: PMC9906771 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests a critical role of lipids in both the mechanisms of toxicity and resistance of cells to platinum(II) complexes. In particular, cisplatin and other analogues were reported to interact with lipids and transiently promote lipid phase changes both in the bulk membranes and in specific membrane domains. However, these processes are complex and not fully understood. In this work, cisplatin and its cationic species formed at pH 7.4 in low chloride concentrations were tested for their ability to induce phase changes in model membranes with different lipid compositions. Fluorescent probes that partition to different lipid phases were used to report on the fluidity of the membrane, and a leakage assay was performed to evaluate the effect of cisplatin in the permeability of these vesicles. The results showed that platinum(II) complex effects on membrane fluidity depend on membrane lipid composition and properties, promoting a stronger decrease in the fluidity of membranes containing gel phase. Moreover, at high concentration, these complexes were prone to alter the permeability of lipid membranes without inducing their collapse or aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Martinho
- Research
Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003Lisboa, Portugal,iBB—Institute
for Bioengineering and Biosciences and Department of Bioengineering,
Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade
de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1649-003Lisboa, Portugal,Associate
Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto
Superior Técnico, Universidade de
Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1649-003Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M. T. Marquês
- Centro
de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento
de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1649-003Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Iryna Todoriko
- Centro
de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento
de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1649-003Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuel Prieto
- iBB—Institute
for Bioengineering and Biosciences and Department of Bioengineering,
Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade
de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1649-003Lisboa, Portugal,Associate
Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto
Superior Técnico, Universidade de
Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1649-003Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo F.M. de Almeida
- Centro
de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento
de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1649-003Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Liana C. Silva
- Research
Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003Lisboa, Portugal,
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6
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Szomek M, Reinholdt P, Walther HL, Scheidt HA, Müller P, Obermaier S, Poolman B, Kongsted J, Wüstner D. Natamycin sequesters ergosterol and interferes with substrate transport by the lysine transporter Lyp1 from yeast. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:184012. [PMID: 35914570 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Natamycin is a polyene macrolide, widely employed to treat fungal keratitis and other yeast infections as well as to protect food products against fungal molds. In contrast to other polyene macrolides, such as nystatin or amphotericin B, natamycin does not form pores in yeast membranes, and its mode of action is not well understood. Here, we have employed a variety of spectroscopic methods, computational modeling, and membrane reconstitution to study the molecular interactions of natamycin underlying its antifungal activity. We find that natamycin forms aggregates in an aqueous solution with strongly altered optical properties compared to monomeric natamycin. Interaction of natamycin with model membranes results in a concentration-dependent fluorescence increase which is more pronounced for ergosterol- compared to cholesterol-containing membranes up to 20 mol% sterol. Evidence for formation of specific ergosterol-natamycin complexes in the bilayer is provided. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, we find that natamycin sequesters sterols, thereby interfering with their well-known ability to order acyl chains in lipid bilayers. This effect is more pronounced for membranes containing the sterol of fungi, ergosterol, compared to those containing mammalian cholesterol. Natamycin interferes with ergosterol-dependent transport of lysine by the yeast transporter Lyp1, which we propose to be due to the sequestering of ergosterol, a mechanism that also affects other plasma membrane proteins. Our results provide a mechanistic explanation for the selective antifungal activity of natamycin, which can set the stage for rational design of novel polyenes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Szomek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, PhyLife, Physical Life Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Peter Reinholdt
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Hanna-Loisa Walther
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, PhyLife, Physical Life Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Holger A Scheidt
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Müller
- Department of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstr. 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Obermaier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bert Poolman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jacob Kongsted
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Daniel Wüstner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, PhyLife, Physical Life Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark.
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7
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Matsuzaki T, Terutsuki D, Sato S, Ikarashi K, Sato K, Mitsuno H, Okumura R, Yoshimura Y, Usami S, Mori Y, Fujii M, Takemi S, Nakabayashi S, Yoshikawa HY, Kanzaki R. Low Surface Potential with Glycoconjugates Determines Insect Cell Adhesion at Room Temperature. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:9494-9500. [PMID: 36201238 PMCID: PMC9575668 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cell-coupled field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors have attracted considerable attention because of their high sensitivity to biomolecules. The use of insect cells (Sf21) as a core sensor element is advantageous due to their stable adhesion to sensors at room temperature. Although visualization of the insect cell-substrate interface leads to logical amplification of signals, the spatiotemporal processes at the interfaces have not yet been elucidated. We quantitatively monitored the adhesion dynamics of Sf21 using interference reflection microscopy (IRM). Specific adhesion signatures with ring-like patches along the cellular periphery were detected. A combination of zeta potential measurements and lectin staining identified specific glycoconjugates with low electrostatic potentials. The ring-like structures were disrupted after cholesterol depletion, suggesting a raft domain along the cell periphery. Our results indicate dynamic and asymmetric cell adhesion is due to low electrostatic repulsion with fluidic sugar rafts. We envision the logical design of cell-sensor interfaces with an electrical model that accounts for actual adhesion interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahisa Matsuzaki
- Center
for Future Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department
of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Division
of Strategic Research and Development, Saitama
University, Shimo-Okubo 255, Sakura-Ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Daigo Terutsuki
- Research
Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
- Department
of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, 980-8579 Japan
| | - Shoma Sato
- Department
of Chemistry, Saitama University, Shimo-Okubo 255, Sakura-Ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Kohei Ikarashi
- Department
of Chemistry, Saitama University, Shimo-Okubo 255, Sakura-Ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Kohei Sato
- Graduate
School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka
University, 3-5-1 Johoku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 432-8561, Japan
- Course
of Applied Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Department of Engineering,
Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 3-5-1 Johoku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 432-8561, Japan
- Department
of Applied Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 432-8561, Japan
- Research
Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 3-5-1 Johoku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 432-8561, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Mitsuno
- Research
Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Ryu Okumura
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- WPI
Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka
University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Integrated
Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open
and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yudai Yoshimura
- Department
of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Usami
- Division
of Electrical, Electronic and Info communications Engineering, Graduate
School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yusuke Mori
- Division
of Electrical, Electronic and Info communications Engineering, Graduate
School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mai Fujii
- Department
of Chemistry, Saitama University, Shimo-Okubo 255, Sakura-Ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Shota Takemi
- Area
of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of
Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-Ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Nakabayashi
- Division
of Strategic Research and Development, Saitama
University, Shimo-Okubo 255, Sakura-Ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
- Department
of Chemistry, Saitama University, Shimo-Okubo 255, Sakura-Ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Y. Yoshikawa
- Department
of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryohei Kanzaki
- Research
Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
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8
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Ramos-Martín F, Herrera-León C, D'Amelio N. Bombyx mori Cecropin D could trigger cancer cell apoptosis by interacting with mitochondrial cardiolipin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:184003. [PMID: 35850261 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cecropin D is an antimicrobial peptide from Bombyx mori displaying anticancer and pro-apoptotic activities and, together with Cecropin XJ and Cecropin A, one of the very few peptides targeting esophageal cancer. Cecropin D displays poor similarity to other cecropins but a remarkable similarity in the structure and activity spectrum with Cecropin A and Cecropin XJ, offering the possibility to highlight key motifs at the base of the biological activity. In this work we show by NMR and MD simulations that Cecropin D is partially structured in solution and stabilizes its two-helix folding upon interaction with biomimetic membranes. Simulations show that Cecropin D strongly interacts with the surface of cancer cell biomimetic bilayers where it recognises the phosphatidylserine headgroup often exposed in the outer leaflet of cancerous cells by means of specific salt bridges. Cecropin D is also able to penetrate deeply in bilayers containing cardiolipin, a phospholipid found in mitochondria, causing significant destabilization in the lipid packing which might account for its pro-apoptotic activity. In bacterial membranes, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine act synergically by electrostatically attracting cecropin D and providing access to the membrane core, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ramos-Martín
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens 80039, France.
| | - Claudia Herrera-León
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens 80039, France
| | - Nicola D'Amelio
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens 80039, France.
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9
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Koga A, Takayama C, Ishibashi Y, Kono Y, Matsuzaki M, Tani M. Loss of tolerance to multiple environmental stresses due to limitation of structural diversity of complex sphingolipids. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar105. [PMID: 35895092 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-04-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural diversity of complex sphingolipids is important for maintenance of various cellular functions; however, the overall picture of the significance of this structural diversity remains largely unknown. To investigate the physiological importance of the structural diversity of complex sphingolipids, we here constructed a complex sphingolipid structural diversity disruption library in budding yeast, which comprises 11 mutants including with combinations of deletions of sphingolipid-metabolizing enzyme genes. The sensitivity of the mutants to various environmental stresses revealed that the more the structural variation of complex sphingolipids is limited, the more stress sensitivity tends to increase. Moreover, it was found that in mutant cells with only one subtype of complex sphingolipid, Slt2 MAP kinase and Msn2/4 transcriptional factors are essential for maintenance of a normal growth and compensation for reduced tolerance of multiple stresses caused by loss of complex sphingolipid diversity. Slt2 and Msn2/4 are involved in compensation for impaired integrity of cell walls and plasma membranes caused by loss of complex sphingolipid diversity, respectively. From these findings, it was suggested that loss of structural diversity of complex sphingolipids affects the environment of the cell surface, including both plasma membranes and cell walls, which could cause multiple environmental stress hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayano Koga
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Chihiro Takayama
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yohei Ishibashi
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yushi Kono
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Momoko Matsuzaki
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Motohiro Tani
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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10
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Frallicciardi J, Melcr J, Siginou P, Marrink SJ, Poolman B. Membrane thickness, lipid phase and sterol type are determining factors in the permeability of membranes to small solutes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1605. [PMID: 35338137 PMCID: PMC8956743 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29272-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell membranes provide a selective semi-permeable barrier to the passive transport of molecules. This property differs greatly between organisms. While the cytoplasmic membrane of bacterial cells is highly permeable for weak acids and glycerol, yeasts can maintain large concentration gradients. Here we show that such differences can arise from the physical state of the plasma membrane. By combining stopped-flow kinetic measurements with molecular dynamics simulations, we performed a systematic analysis of the permeability of a variety of small molecules through synthetic membranes of different lipid composition to obtain detailed molecular insight into the permeation mechanisms. While membrane thickness is an important parameter for the permeability through fluid membranes, the largest differences occur when the membranes transit from the liquid-disordered to liquid-ordered and/or to gel state, which is in agreement with previous work on passive diffusion of water. By comparing our results with in vivo measurements from yeast, we conclude that the yeast membrane exists in a highly ordered and rigid state, which is comparable to synthetic saturated DPPC-sterol membranes. Membrane permeability of small molecules depends on the composition of the lipid bilayer. Here, authors compare permeability measured on membranes in different physical states and conclude that the yeast membrane exists in a highly ordered phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Frallicciardi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Josef Melcr
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Pareskevi Siginou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Siewert J Marrink
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Bert Poolman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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11
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Alavizargar A, Keller F, Wedlich-Söldner R, Heuer A. Effect of Cholesterol Versus Ergosterol on DPPC Bilayer Properties: Insights from Atomistic Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:7679-7690. [PMID: 34255501 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c03528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Sterols have been ascribed a major role in the organization of biological membranes, in particular for the formation of liquid ordered domains in complex lipid mixtures. Here, we employed molecular dynamics simulations to compare the effects of cholesterol and ergosterol as the major sterol of mammalian and fungal cells, respectively, on binary mixtures with 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) as a proxy for saturated lipids. In agreement with previous work, we observe that the addition of sterol molecules modifies the order of DPPC both in the gel phase and in the liquid phase. When disentangling the overall tilt angle and the structure of the tail imposed by trans/gauche configurations of torsion angles in the tail, respectively, a more detailed picture of the impact of sterols can be formulated, revealing, for example, an approximate temperature-concentration superposition ranging from the liquid to the gel phase. Furthermore, a new quantitative measure to identify the presence of collective sterol effects is discussed. Moreover, when comparing both types of sterols, addition of cholesterol has a noticeably stronger impact on phospholipid properties than that of ergosterol. The observed differences can be attributed to higher planarity of the cholesterol ring system. This planarity combined with an inherent asymmetry in its molecular interactions leads to better alignment and hence stronger interaction with saturated acyl chains. Our results suggest that the high order demonstrated for ergosterol in fungal plasma membranes must therefore be generated via additional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Alavizargar
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstr. 28/30, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Fabian Keller
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstr. 28/30, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Roland Wedlich-Söldner
- Institute of Cell Dynamics and Imaging, Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation and Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Andreas Heuer
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstr. 28/30, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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12
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Antioxidant Properties of Ergosterol and Its Role in Yeast Resistance to Oxidation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071024. [PMID: 34202105 PMCID: PMC8300696 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the functions and structural roles of sterols have been the subject of numerous studies, the reasons for the diversity of sterols in the different eukaryotic kingdoms remain unclear. It is thought that the specificity of sterols is linked to unidentified supplementary functions that could enable organisms to be better adapted to their environment. Ergosterol is accumulated by late branching fungi that encounter oxidative perturbations in their interfacial habitats. Here, we investigated the antioxidant properties of ergosterol using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches. The results showed that ergosterol is involved in yeast resistance to tert-butyl hydroperoxide and protects lipids against oxidation in liposomes. A computational study based on quantum chemistry revealed that this protection could be related to its antioxidant properties operating through an electron transfer followed by a proton transfer mechanism. This study demonstrates the antioxidant role of ergosterol and proposes knowledge elements to explain the specific accumulation of this sterol in late branching fungi. Ergosterol, as a natural antioxidant molecule, could also play a role in the incompletely understood beneficial effects of some mushrooms on health.
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13
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de Matos AM, Blázquez-Sánchez MT, Sousa C, Oliveira MC, de Almeida RFM, Rauter AP. C-Glucosylation as a tool for the prevention of PAINS-induced membrane dipole potential alterations. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4443. [PMID: 33627687 PMCID: PMC7904931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83032-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of Pan-Assay Interference Compounds (PAINS) is regarded as a threat to the recognition of the broad bioactivity of natural products. Based on the established relationship between altered membrane dipole potential and transmembrane protein conformation and function, we investigate here polyphenols' ability to induce changes in cell membrane dipole potential. Ultimately, we are interested in finding a tool to prevent polyphenol PAINS-type behavior and produce compounds less prone to untargeted and promiscuous interactions with the cell membrane. Di-8-ANEPPS fluorescence ratiometric measurements suggest that planar lipophilic polyphenols-phloretin, genistein and resveratrol-act by decreasing membrane dipole potential, especially in cholesterol-rich domains such as lipid rafts, which play a role in important cellular processes. These results provide a mechanism for their labelling as PAINS through their ability to disrupt cell membrane homeostasis. Aiming to explore the role of C-glucosylation in PAINS membrane-interfering behavior, we disclose herein the first synthesis of 4-glucosylresveratrol, starting from 5-hydroxymethylbenzene-1,3-diol, via C-glucosylation, oxidation and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination, and resynthesize phloretin and genistein C-glucosides. We show that C-glucosylation generates compounds which are no longer able to modify membrane dipole potential. Therefore, it can be devised as a strategy to generate bioactive natural product derivatives that no longer act as membrane dipole potential modifiers. Our results offer a new technology towards rescuing bioactive polyphenols from their PAINS danger label through C-C ligation of sugars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Marta de Matos
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Ed. C8, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Blázquez-Sánchez
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Ed. C8, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
- Facultad de Ciencias y Artes, Universidad Católica Santa Teresa de Jesús de Ávila (UCAV), 05005, Avila, Spain
| | - Carla Sousa
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Ed. C8, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Conceição Oliveira
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Mass Spectrometry Facility, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo F M de Almeida
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Ed. C8, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Amélia P Rauter
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Ed. C8, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
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14
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Garcia-Ibañez P, Nicolas-Espinosa J, Carvajal M. Plasma membrane vesicles from cauliflower meristematic tissue and their role in water passage. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:30. [PMID: 33413105 PMCID: PMC7791869 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-020-02778-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) inflorescences are composed mainly of meristematic tissue, which has a high cellular proliferation. This considerable cellular density makes the inflorescence an organ with a large proportion of membranes. However, little is known about the specific role of the lipid and protein composition of the plasma membrane present in this organ. RESULTS In this work, we analyzed the lipids and proteins present in plasma membrane from two different stages of development of cauliflower inflorescence and compared them with leaf plasma membrane. For this purpose, plasma membrane vesicles were obtained by centrifugation for each sample and the vesicular diameter and osmotic permeability (Pf) were analyzed by dynamic light scattering and the stopped-flow technique, respectively. In addition, fatty acids and sterols were analyzed by gas chromatography and HPLC. The protein composition of the inflorescences and leaves was characterized by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and the data obtained were compared with Brassicaceae proteins present in the UniProt database in relation to the presence of aquaporins determined by western blot analysis. The highest Pf value was found in 90 day inflorescences-derived plasma membrane vesicles (61.4 ± 4.14 μms- 1). For sterols and fatty acids, the concentrations varied according to the organ of origin. The protein profile revealed the presence of aquaporins from the PIP1 and PIP2 subfamilies in both inflorescences and leaves. CONCLUSION This study shows that the composition of the sterols, the degree of unsaturation of the fatty acids, and the proteins present in the membranes analyzed give them high functionality for water passage. This represents an important addition to the limited information available in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Garcia-Ibañez
- Aquaporins Group, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo-25, E-30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Nicolas-Espinosa
- Aquaporins Group, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo-25, E-30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Micaela Carvajal
- Aquaporins Group, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo-25, E-30100, Murcia, Spain.
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15
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Santos FC, Marquês JT, Bento‐Oliveira A, Almeida RF. Sphingolipid‐enriched domains in fungi. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:3698-3718. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa C. Santos
- Centro de Química Estrutural Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande Portugal
| | - Joaquim T. Marquês
- Centro de Química Estrutural Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande Portugal
| | - Andreia Bento‐Oliveira
- Centro de Química Estrutural Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande Portugal
| | - Rodrigo F.M. Almeida
- Centro de Química Estrutural Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande Portugal
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16
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Bento-Oliveira A, Santos FC, Marquês JT, Paulo PMR, Korte T, Herrmann A, Marinho HS, de Almeida RFM. Yeast Sphingolipid-Enriched Domains and Membrane Compartments in the Absence of Mannosyldiinositolphosphorylceramide. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060871. [PMID: 32517183 PMCID: PMC7356636 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The relevance of mannosyldiinositolphosphorylceramide [M(IP)2C] synthesis, the terminal complex sphingolipid class in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for the lateral organization of the plasma membrane, and in particular for sphingolipid-enriched gel domains, was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. We also addressed how changing the complex sphingolipid profile in the plasma membrane could influence the membrane compartments (MC) containing either the arginine/ H+ symporter Can1p (MCC) or the proton ATPase Pma1p (MCP). To achieve these goals, wild-type (wt) and ipt1Δ cells, which are unable to synthesize M(IP)2C accumulating mannosylinositolphosphorylceramide (MIPC), were compared. Living cells, isolated plasma membrane and giant unilamellar vesicles reconstituted from plasma membrane lipids were labelled with various fluorescent membrane probes that report the presence and organization of distinct lipid domains, global order, and dielectric properties. Can1p and Pma1p were tagged with GFP and mRFP, respectively, in both yeast strains, to evaluate their lateral organization using confocal fluorescence intensity and fluorescence lifetime imaging. The results show that IPT1 deletion strongly affects the rigidity of gel domains but not their relative abundance, whereas no significant alterations could be perceived in ergosterol-enriched domains. Moreover, in these cells lacking M(IP)2C, a clear alteration in Pma1p membrane distribution, but no significant changes in Can1p distribution, were observed. Thus, this work reinforces the notion that sphingolipid-enriched domains distinct from ergosterol-enriched regions are present in the S. cerevisiae plasma membrane and suggests that M(IP)2C is important for a proper hydrophobic chain packing of sphingolipids in the gel domains of wt cells. Furthermore, our results strongly support the involvement of sphingolipid domains in the formation and stability of the MCP, possibly being enriched in this compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Bento-Oliveira
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.B.-O.); (F.C.S.); (J.T.M.); (H.S.M.)
| | - Filipa C. Santos
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.B.-O.); (F.C.S.); (J.T.M.); (H.S.M.)
| | - Joaquim Trigo Marquês
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.B.-O.); (F.C.S.); (J.T.M.); (H.S.M.)
| | - Pedro M. R. Paulo
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Thomas Korte
- Department of Biology, Molecular Biophysics, IRI Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (T.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- Department of Biology, Molecular Biophysics, IRI Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (T.K.); (A.H.)
| | - H. Susana Marinho
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.B.-O.); (F.C.S.); (J.T.M.); (H.S.M.)
| | - Rodrigo F. M. de Almeida
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.B.-O.); (F.C.S.); (J.T.M.); (H.S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-217-500-925
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