On the coordination of La3+ by phosphatidylserine

Observing mechanosensitive channels in action in living bacteria

Mechanosensitive (MS) channels act to protect the cytoplasmic membrane (CM) of living cells from environmental changes in osmolarity. In this report, we demonstrate the use of time-resolved second-harmonic light scattering (SHS) as a means of experimentally observing the relative state (open versus closed) of MS channels in living bacteria suspended in different buffer solutions. Specifically, the state of the MS channels was selectively controlled by changing the composition of the suspension medium, inducing either a transient or persistent osmotic shock. SHS was then used to monitor transport of the SHG-active cation, malachite green, across the bacterial CM. When MS channels were forced open, malachite green cations were able to cross the CM at a rate at least two orders of magnitude faster compared with when the MS channels were closed. These observations were corroborated using both numerical model simulations and complementary fluorescence experiments, in which the propensity for the CM impermeant cation, propidium, to stain cells was shown to be contingent upon the relative state of the MS channels (i.e., cells with open MS channels fluoresced red, cells with closed MS channels did not). Application of time-resolved SHS to experimentally distinguish MS channels opened via osmotic shock versus chemical activation, as well as a general comparison with the patch-clamp method is discussed.

Influence of Trivalent Metal Ions on Lipid Vesicles: Gelation and Fusion Phenomena

In this contribution, we report the interaction of 1,2-dimyristoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) lipid vesicles with a series of trivalent metal ions of the same group, namely, Al³⁺, Ga³⁺, and In³⁺, to get a distinct view of the effect of size, effective charge, and hydration free energy of these metal ions on lipid vesicles. We employed steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques including time-resolved anisotropy measurement, confocal imaging, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement to probe the interaction. Our study reveals that all of the three trivalent metal ions induce gelation in lipid vesicles by removing water molecules from the interfacial region. The extent of gelation induced by the metal ions follows the order of In³⁺ > Ga³⁺ ≥ Al³⁺. We explain this observation in light of different free-energy terms. Notably, the degree of interaction for trivalent metal ions is higher as compared to that for divalent metal ions at physiological pH (pH ∼ 7.0). Most importantly, we observe that unlike divalent metal ions, trivalent metal ions dehydrate the lipid vesicles even at lower pH. The DLS measurement and confocal imaging indicate that In³⁺ causes significant aggregation or fusion of the PC vesicles, while Al³⁺ and Ga³⁺ did not induce any aggregation at the experimental concentration. We employ Derjaguin-Landau-Vervey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory to explain the aggregation phenomena induced by In³⁺.

Bax forms two types of channels, one of which is voltage-gated

When activated, the proapoptotic protein Bax permeabilizes the mitochondrial outer membrane, allowing the release of proteins into the cytosol and thus initiating the execution phase of apoptosis. When activated Bax was reconstituted into phospholipid membranes, we discovered a new, to our knowledge, property of Bax channels: voltage gating. We also found that the same Bax sample under the same experimental conditions could give rise to two radically different channels: Type A, which is small, well behaved, homogeneous, and voltage-gated, and Type B, which is large, noisy, and voltage-independent. One Type B channel can be converted irreversibly into a population of Type A channels by the addition of La(3+). This conversion process appears to involve a two-dimensional budding mechanism. The existence of these two types of Bax channels suggests a process for controlling the degree of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization.

Charge reversal in anionic liposomes: experimental demonstration and molecular origin

We present experimental and simulation evidence for a new mechanism of charge reversal operating only for ions capable to penetrate into soft interfaces. It is based on the preferential solvation of counterions by amphiphilic molecules and hydration water rather than by bulk water. This mechanism does not require high surface charge densities and it is not affected by the addition of 1:1 salt. This behavior is opposite to that observed in systems as diverse as microfluidic channels or latex colloids. The robustness of the mechanism to physiological amounts of 1:1 salt suggests a significant impact in processes involving ion-amphiphile interaction in salty water (typical, e.g., of biophysics).

Gadolinium ions block mechanosensitive channels by altering the packing and lateral pressure of anionic lipids

Effects of polyvalent ions on the lateral packing of phospholipids have been known for decades, but the physiological consequences have not been systematically studied. Gd(3+) is a relatively nonspecific agent that blocks mechano-gated channels with a variable affinity. In this study, we show that the large mechanosensitive channel MscL of Escherichia coli is effectively blocked by Gd(3+) only when reconstituted with negatively charged phospholipids (e.g., PS). Taking this lead, we studied effects of Gd(3+) on monolayers and unilamellar vesicles made of natural brain PS, DMPS, and its mixtures with DMPC. In monolayer experiments, we found that muM Gd(3+) present in the subphase leads to approximately 8% lateral compaction of brain PS (at 35 mN/m). Gd(3+) more strongly shrinks and rigidifies DMPS films causing a spontaneous liquid expanded-to-compact transition to the limiting 40 A(2)/mol. Pressure-area isotherms of uncharged DMPC were unaffected by Gd(3+), and neutralization of DMPS surface by low pH did not produce strong compaction. Upshifts of surface potential isotherms of DMPS monolayers reflected changes in the diffuse double layer due to neutralization of headgroup charges by Gd(3+), whereas the increased packing density produced up to a 200 mV change in the interfacial dipole potential. The slopes of surface potential versus reciprocal area predicted that Gd(3+) induced a modest ( approximately 18%) increase in the magnitude of the individual lipid dipoles in DMPS. Isothermal titration calorimetry indicated that binding of Gd(3+) to DMPS liposomes in the gel state is endothermic, whereas binding to liquid crystalline liposomes produces heat consistent with the isothermal liquid-to-gel phase transition induced by the ion. Both titration curves suggested a K(b) of approximately 10(6) M(-1). We conclude that anionic phospholipids serve as high-affinity receptors for Gd(3+) ions, and the ion-induced compaction generates a lateral pressure increase estimated as tens of mN/m. This pressure can "squeeze" the channel and shift the equilibrium toward the closed state.

Effect of Gd3+ on the colloidal stability of liposomes

Lanthanide ions such as La3+ and Gd3+ are well known to have large effects on the structure of phospholipid membranes. Unilamellar vesicles of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were prepared by sonication method and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The effects of concentration of gadolinium ions Gd3+ on DPPC unilamellar vesicles in aqueous media were studied by different techniques. As physical techniques, photon correlation spectroscopy, electrophoretic mobility, and differential scanning calorimetry were used. The theoretical predictions of the colloidal stability of liposomes were followed using the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory. Changes in the size of liposomes and high polydispersities values were observed as Gd3+ concentration increases, suggesting that this cation induces the aggregation of vesicles. Electrophoretic mobility measurements on unilamellar vesicles as a function of Gd3+ ion concentration show that the vesicles adsorb Gd3+ ions. Above Gd3+ concentrations of 0.1 mol dm-3, the zeta potential and light scattering measurements indicate the beginning of aggregation process. For comparison with similar phospholipids, the zeta potential of phosphatidylcholine interacting with Gd3+ was measured, showing an analogous behavior. Differential scanning calorimetry has been used to determine the effect of Gd3+ on the transition temperature (Tc) and on the enthalpy (DeltaHc) associated with the process.

Gadolinium activates and sensitizes the vanilloid receptor TRPV1 through the external protonation sites

Gadolinium is a recognized blocker of many types of cation channels, including several channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily. In this study, we demonstrate that Gd(3+), in addition to its blocking effects, activates and potentiates the recombinant vanilloid receptor TRPV1 expressed in HEK293T cells. Whole-cell currents through TRPV1 were induced by Gd(3+) with a half-maximal activation achieved at 72 microM at +40 mV. Gd(3+), at concentrations up to 100 microM, lowered the threshold for heat activation and potentiated the currents induced by capsaicin (1 microM) and low extracellular pH (6). Higher concentrations of Gd(3+) (>300 microM) blocked the TRPV1 channel. Neutralizations of the two acidic residues, Glu600 and Glu648, which are the key residues conferring the proton-sensitivity to TRPV1, resulted in a loss of Gd(3+)-induced activation and/or a reduction in its potentiating effects. A trivalent nonlanthanide, Al(3+), that possesses much a smaller atomic mass than Gd(3+) blocked but did not activate or sensitize the TRPV1 channel. These findings indicate that Gd(3+) activates and potentiates the TRPV1 by neutralizing two specific proton-sensitive sites on the extracellular side of the pore-forming loop.

Enlargement and contracture of C2-ceramide channels

Ceramides are known to play a major regulatory role in apoptosis by inducing cytochrome c release from mitochondria. We have previously reported that ceramide, but not dihydroceramide, forms large and stable channels in phospholipid membranes and outer membranes of isolated mitochondria. C(2)-ceramide channel formation is characterized by conductance increments ranging from <1 to >200 nS. These conductance increments often represent the enlargement and contracture of channels rather than the opening and closure of independent channels. Enlargement is supported by the observation that many small conductance increments can lead to a large decrement. Also the initial conductances favor cations, but this selectivity drops dramatically with increasing total conductance. La(+3) causes rapid ceramide channel disassembly in a manner indicative of large conducting structures. These channels have a propensity to contract by a defined size (often multiples of 4 nS) indicating the formation of cylindrical channels with preferred diameters rather than a continuum of sizes. The results are consistent with ceramides forming barrel-stave channels whose size can change by loss or insertion of multiple ceramide columns.

La(3+) and Gd(3+) induce shape change of giant unilamellar vesicles of phosphatidylcholine

Lanthanides such as La(3+) and Gd(3+) are well known to have large effects on the function of membrane proteins such as mechanosensitive ionic channels and voltage-gated sodium channels, and also on the structure of phospholipid membranes. In this report, we have investigated effects of La(3+) and Gd(3+) on the shape of giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) of dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC-GUV) and GUV of DOPC/cholesterol by the phase-contrast microscopy. The addition of 10-100 microM La(3+) (or Gd(3+)) through a 10-microm diameter micropipette near the DOPC-GUV (or DOPC/cholesterol-GUV) triggered several kinds of shape changes. We have found that a very low concentration (10 microM) of La(3+) (or Gd(3+)) induced a shape change of GUV such as the discocyte via stomatocyte to inside budded shape transformation, the two-spheres connected by a neck to prolate transformation, and the pearl on a string to cylinder (or tube) transformation. To understand the effect of these lanthanides on the shape of the GUV, we have also investigated phase transitions of 30 microM dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine-multilamellar vesicle (DPPC-MLV) by the ultra-sensitive differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The chain-melting phase transition temperature and the L(beta') to P(beta') phase transition temperature of DPPC-MLV increased with an increase in La(3+) concentration. This result indicates that the lateral compression pressure of the membrane increases with an increase in La(3+) concentration. Thereby, the interaction of La(3+) (or Gd(3+)) on the external monolayer membrane of the GUV induces a decrease in its area (A(ex)), whereas the area of the internal monolayer membrane (A(in)) keeps constant. Therefore, the shape changes of the GUV induced by these lanthanides can be explained reasonably by the decrease in the area difference between two monolayers (DeltaA=A(ex)-A(in)).

La(3+) stabilizes the hexagonal II (H(II)) phase in phosphatidylethanolamine membranes

The mechanism of the effects of the lanthanum ion (La(3+)) and the gadolinium ion (Gd(3+)), which are lanthanides, on the function of membrane proteins and the stability of the membrane structure is not well understood. We investigated the effects of La(3+) on the stability of the hexagonal II (H(II)) phase of the phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) membrane at 20 degrees C by small-angle X-ray scattering. As PE membrane we used DPOPE (dipalmitoleoylphosphatidylethanolamine) membrane, which was in the L(alpha) phase in 10 mM PIPES buffer (pH 7.4) at 20 degrees C. An L(alpha) to H(II) phase transition occurred in the DPOPE membrane at 1.4 mM La(3+) in 0 M KCl, and at 0.4 mM La(3+) in 0.5 M KCl and above the critical concentrations the membranes were in the H(II) phase, indicating that La(3+) stabilizes the H(II) phase rather than the L(alpha) phase. The basis vector length, d, of DPOPE and DOPE (dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine) membranes containing 16 wt% tetradecane in excess water condition did not change with an increase in La(3+) concentration, suggesting that La(3+) did not change the spontaneous curvature of these PE monolayer membranes. The chain-melting transition temperature of the dielaidoylphosphatidylethanolamine membrane increased with an increase in La(3+) concentration, indicating that the lateral compression pressure increased. To elucidate the effects of a small percentage of 'guest' lipids with longer acyl chains than the average length of 'host' lipids on the stability of the H(II) phase, we investigated the effects of the concentration of a guest lipid (DOPE) in a host lipid (DPOPE) membrane on their phase behavior and structure. 12 mol% DOPE induced an L(alpha) to H(II) phase transition in DOPE/DPOPE membrane, without changing the spontaneous curvature of the monolayer membrane. We found that Ca(2+) also induced an L(alpha) to H(II) phase transition in the DPOPE membrane, and compared the effects of Ca(2+) on PE membranes with those of La(3+). Based on these results, we have proposed a new model for the mechanism of the L(alpha) to H(II) phase transition and the stabilization of the H(II) phase by La(3+).

Dipole potentials indicate restructuring of the membrane interface induced by gadolinium and beryllium ions

The dipole component of the membrane boundary potential, phi(d), is an integral parameter that may report on the conformational state of the lipid headgroups and their hydration. In this work, we describe an experimental approach to measurements of the dipole potential changes, Deltaphi(d), and apply it in studies of Be(2+) and Gd(3+) interactions with membranes composed of phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and their mixtures. Deltaphi(d) is determined as the difference between the changes of the total boundary potential, phi(b), measured by the IFC method in planar lipid membranes and the surface potential, phi(s), determined from the electrophoretic mobility of liposomes. The Gouy-Chapman-Stern formalism, combined with the condition of mass balance, well describes the ion equilibria for these high-affinity cations. For the adsorption of Be(2+) and Gd(3+) to PC membranes, and of Mg(2+) to PS membranes, the values of Deltaphi(b) and Deltaphi(s) are the same, indicative of no change of phi(d). Binding of Gd(3+) to PS-containing membranes induces changes of phi(d) of opposite signs depending on the density of ionized PS headgroups in the bilayer. At low density, the induced Deltaphi(d) is negative (-30 mV), consistent with the effect of dehydration of the surface. At maximal density (pure PS, neutral pH), adsorption of Be(2+) or Gd(3+) induces an increase of phi(d) of 35 or 140 mV, respectively. The onset of the strong positive dipole effect on PS membranes with Gd(3+) is observed near the zero charge point and correlates with a six-fold increase of membrane tension. The observed phenomena may reflect concerted reorientation of dipole moments of PS headgroups as a result of ion adsorption and lipid condensation. Their possible implications to in-vivo effects of these high-affinity ions are discussed.

Regulation of phosphatidylserine transbilayer redistribution by store-operated Ca2+ entry: role of actin cytoskeleton

The phosphatidylserine transmembrane redistribution at the cell surface is one of the early characteristics of cells undergoing apoptosis and also occurs in cells fulfilling a more specialized function, such as the phosphatidylserine-dependent procoagulant response of platelets after appropriate activation. Although an increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ is essential to trigger the remodeling of the plasma membrane, little is known about intracellular signals leading to phosphatidylserine externalization. Here, the role of store-operated Ca2+ entry on phosphatidylserine exposure was investigated in human erythroleukemia HEL cells, a pluripotent lineage with megakaryoblastic properties. Ca2+ entry inhibitors (SKF-96365, LaCl(3), and miconazole) inhibited store-operated Ca2+ entry in A23187- or thapsigargin-stimulated cells and reduced the degree of phosphatidylserine externalization concomitantly, providing evidence for a close link between the two processes. In cells pretreated with cytochalasin D, an agent that disrupts the microfilament network of the cytoskeleton, store-operated Ca2+ entry and phosphatidylserine externalization at the cell surface were inhibited. In a context where most of the key actors remain to be identified, these results provide evidence for the implication of both store-operated Ca2+ entry and cytoskeleton architectural organization in the regulation of phosphatidylserine transbilayer migration.

Methyl mercury interactions with phospholipid membranes as reported by fluorescence, 31P and 199Hg NMR

Methylmercury (CH3Hg(II)) interactions with multilamellar vesicles of dimyristoyl(DM)- and dipalmitoyl(DP)-phosphatidylcholine (PC), -phosphatidic acid (PA), -phosphatidylglycerol (PG), -phosphatidylserine (PS) and -phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) have been investigated from the metal viewpoint by solution 199Hg-NMR and from the membrane side by diphenylhexatriene fluorescence polarization and solid state 31P-NMR. Results can be summarized as follows: (1) CH3Hg(II) strong binding to membranes results in a progressive decrease of the free CH3HgOH 199Hg-NMR isotropic signal and because of a slow exchange, in the NMR time scale, between free and bound methylmercury pools the lipid/water partition coefficients, K(lw), of the CH3HgOH species can be determined in the lamellar gel (fluid) phase. It is found: K(lw)(DMPC) approximately 2 +/- 2 (2 +/- 2); K(lw)(DMPE) approximately 7 +/- 3 (16 +/- 3); K(lw)(DMPG) = 170 +/- 10 (110 +/- 10); K(lw)(DMPS) = 930 +/- 50 (1250 +/- 60); K(lw)(DMPA) = 1250 +/- 60 (300 +/- 20). CH3Hg(II) interactions with membrane phospholipids are therefore electrostatic in nature and the phosphate moiety is proposed as a potential binding site. (2) The presence of CH3HgOH stabilizes the PG gel phase and destabilizes that of PS. No effect is observed on PC, PA and PE thermotropism. (3) methylmercury promotes the formation of isotropic 31P-NMR lines with PG, PA and PE systems suggesting the presence of non-bilayer phases and hence membrane reorganization. The above effects are compared to those of inorganic mercury Hg(II) and discussed in the context of cell toxicity.

Pre-steady-state kinetic study of the mechanism of inhibition of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase by lanthanum

Lanthanides are known to be effective inhibitors of the PMCa(2+)-ATPase. The effects of LaCl3 on the partial reactions that take place during ATP hydrolysis by the calcium-dependent ATPase from plasma membrane (PMCa(2+)-ATPase) were studied at 37 degrees C on fragmented intact membranes from pig red cells by means of a rapid chemical quenching technique. LaCl3 added before phosphorylation (K0.5 = 2.8 +/- 0.2 microM) raised the kapp of the E2-->E1 transition from 14 +/- 2 to 23 +/- 4 s-1. The effect was independent of Ca2+ and Mg2+, as if La3+ substituted for Mg2+ and/or Ca2+ in accelerating the formation of E1 with higher efficiency. At non-limiting conditions, LaCl3 doubled the apparent concentration of E1 in the enzyme at rest with Ca2+ and Mg2+. LaCl3 during phosphorylation (K0.5 near 20 microM) lowered the vo of the reaction from 300 +/- 20 to 60 +/- 7 pmol/mg of protein/s, a close rate to that in the absence of Mg2+. This effect was reversed by Mg2+ (and not by Ca2+), and the K0.5 for Mg2+ as activator of the phosphorylation reaction increased linearly with the concentration of LaCl3, suggesting that La3+ slowed phosphorylation by displacing Mg2+ from the activation site(s). If added before phosphorylation, LaCl3 lowered the kapp for decomposition of EP to 0.8 +/- 0.1 s-1, a value which is characteristic of phosphoenzyme without Mg2+. The K0.5 for this effect was 0.9 +/- 0.5 microM LaCl3 and increased linearly with the concentration of Mg2+. If added after phosphorylation, LaCl3 did not change the kapp of 90 +/- 7 s-1 of decomposition of EP, suggesting that La3+ displaced Mg2+ from the site whose occupation accelerates the shifting of E1P to E2P. In medium with 0.5 mM MgCl2, 2 microM LaCl3 lowered rapidly the rate of steady-state hydrolysis of ATP by the PMCa(2+)-ATPase to a value close to the rate of decomposition of EP made in medium with LaCl3. Increasing MgCl2 to 10 mM protected the PMCa(2+)-ATPase against inhibition during the first 10 min of incubation. Results show that combination of La3+ to the Mg2+ (and Ca2+) site(s) in the unphosphorylated PMCa(2+)-ATPase accelerates the E2-->E1 transition and inhibits the shifting E1P--> E2P. Since with less apparent affinity La3+ slowed but did not impede phosphorylation, it seems that the sharp slowing of the rate of transformation of E1P into E2P by displacement of Mg2+ was the cause of the high-affinity inhibition of the PMCa(2+)-ATPase by La3+.

Interactions of inorganic mercury with phospholipid micelles and model membranes. A 31P-NMR study

The binding of inorganic mercury Hg(II) to phospholipid headgroups has been investigated by phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) in water micellar and multilamellar phases. HgCl2 triggers the aggregation of phospholipid micelles, leading to a lipid-mercury precipitate that is no longer detectable by high-resolution 31P-NMR. The remaining signal area corresponds to micelles in the soluble fraction and is a non-linear function of the initial mercury-to-lipid molar ratio. Kinetics of micelle aggregation are exponential for the first 15 min and show a plateau tendency after 120 min. Apparent Hg(II) affinities for phospholipid headgroups are in the order: PE > PS > PC. The same binding specificity is observed when HgCl2 is added to (1:1) mixtures of different micelles (PE + PC; PS + PC). However, mercury binding to mixed micelles prepared with two lipids (PE/PC or PS/PC) induces the aggregation of both lipids. Hg(II) also leads to a 31P-NMR chemical shift anisotropy decrease of PC, PS and mixed (1:1) PE/PC multilamellar vesicles and markedly broadens PS spectra. This indicates that HgCl2 binding forces phospholipid headgroups to reorient and that the concomitant network formation leads to a slowing down of PS membrane collective motions. Formation of a gel-like lamellar phase characterized by a broad NMR linewidth is also observed upon HgCl2 binding to PE samples both in fluid (L alpha) or hexagonal (H(II)) phases. The PE hexagonal phase is no longer detected in the presence of HgCl2. Mixed PE/PC dispersions remain in the fluid phase upon mercury addition, indicating that no phase separation occurs. Addition of excess NaCl leads to the appearance of the non-reactive species HgCl4(2-) and induces the reversal of all the above effects.

Interactions between metal ions and poly(ethylene glycol) in the fusion of human erythrocytes

Diffusion of the fluorescent membrane probe, Dil-C16 (3), from labelled to unlabelled human erythrocytes has been employed to monitor hemi-fusion (membrane fusion) in monolayers of cells exposed to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Diffusion of the cytoplasmic probe, 6-carboxyfluorescein, was used similarly to monitor cell fusion (cytoplasmic mixing). Hemi-fusion, which is normally seen when erythrocytes are exposed to dehydrating concentrations of commercial PEG 6000, did not occur when the PEG was pretreated with Chelex 100 resin to remove metal ions. Cytoplasmic mixing, which is normally observed when the dehydrated erythrocytes are substantially rehydrated, also failed to occur when both PEG 6000 and the rehydrating buffer had been treated with Chelex 100. The re-addition to Chelex-treated PEG of components removed by the resin, and the addition of 10 mu mM concentrations of La3+ or Al3+, restored its ability to induce hemi-fusion and cell fusion. Higher concentrations of several other metals, including Ca2+, were also effective. These observations show that metal ions are required for hemi-fusion with erythrocytes in the presence of PEG, and that dehydration alone is insufficient to induce hemi-fusion. Phosphatidylserine was apparently not accessible in erythrocytes treated with PEG 6000 until the cells were rehydrated. This indicates that metal ions do not assist the hemi-fusion of erythrocytes by forming trans complexes with surface phosphatidylserine when the cells are dehydrated by PEG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Activation and inhibition of protein kinase C isozymes alpha and beta by Gd3+

Gd3+ was evaluated as a probe for Ca2+ sites on protein kinase C (PKC) by studying its ability to replace Ca2+ in activation of PKC isozymes II (beta) and III (alpha) in the lipid systems phosphatidylserine/1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol (PS/DO) and diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine (PC7)/DO. PKC beta was stimulated by Ca2+ or Gd3+ in PS/DO whereas activity in PC7/DO was independent of these metals. Thus, it is suggested that Gd3+ replaces Ca2+ at a site involving metal-lipid interactions. High concentrations of Ca2+ or Gd3+ inhibited activity in both lipid systems. Analysis of the Gd3+ inhibition in the PC7/DO system suggests that it is due to formation of GdATP, which competes at the MgATP site. Activity of PKC alpha was dependent on low concentrations of Ca2+ in both lipid systems. The ability of Gd3+ to substitute for Ca2+ could not be evaluated in the PS system due to the inability to completely remove contaminating Ca2+ without chelating buffers. Successful reduction of contaminating Ca2+ was achieved in the PC7 system but Gd3+ failed to substitute for Ca2+ in activating PKC alpha and only caused inhibition. This is consistent with binding of Gd3+ to a Ca2+ site at or near the active site of the enzyme rather than to a site on the lipid. These results indicate that interactions between PKC and Gd3+ are complex, involving occupation of more than one class of sites. Conditions for separately evaluating the individual sites can be manipulated by selection of isozyme and lipid system.

Membrane electrostatics

In conclusion, charged membrane together with their adjacent electrolyte solution form a thermodynamic and physico-chemical entity. Their surfaces represent an exceptionally complicated interfacial system owing to intrinsic membrane complexity, as well as to the polarity and often large thickness of the interfacial region. Despite this, charged membranes can be described reasonably accurately within the framework of available theoretical models, provided that the latter are chosen on the basis of suitable criteria, which are briefly discussed in Section A. Interion correlations are likely to be important for the regular and/or rigid, thin membrane-solution interfaces. Lateral distribution of the structural membrane charge is seldom and charge distribution perpendicular to the membranes is nearly always electrostatically important. So is the interfacial hydration, which to a large extent determines the properties of the innermost part of the interfacial region, with a thickness of 2-3 nm. Fine structure of the ion double-layer and the interfacial smearing of the structural membrane charge decrease whilst the surface hydration increases the calculated value of the electrostatic membrane potential relative to the result of common Gouy-Chapman approximation. In some cases these effects partly cancel-out; simple electrostatic models are then fairly accurate. Notwithstanding this, it is at present difficult to draw detailed molecular conclusions from a large part of the published data, mainly owing to the lack of really stringent controls or calibrations. Ion binding to the membrane surface is a complicated process which involves charge-charge as well as charge-solvent interactions. Its efficiency normally increases with the ion valency and with the membrane charge density, but it is also strongly dependent on the physico-chemical and thermodynamic state of the membrane. Except in the case of the stereospecific ion binding to a membrane, the relatively easily accessible phosphate and carboxylic groups on lipids and integral membrane proteins are the main cation binding sites. Anions bind preferentially to the amine groups, even on zwitterionic molecules. Membrane structure is apt to change upon ion binding but not always in the same direction: membranes with bound ions can either expand or become more condensed, depending on the final hydrophilicity (polarity) of the membrane surface. The more polar membranes, as a rule, are less tightly packed and more fluid. Diffusive ion flow across a membrane depends on the transmembrane potential and concentration gradients, but also on the coulombic and hydration potentials at the membrane surface.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Lanthanide(III)-phosphatidic acid complexes: binding site heterogeneity and phase separation

The luminescent lanthanides are potentially useful probes of cation-induced events involving phospholipid membranes. In this work, the spectroscopic properties of Tb3+, Ce3+ and Eu3+ are shown to be complementary in defining three forms of complex with phosphatidic acid vesicles. Ce3+, in particular, is useful for studying dilute cation-lipid complexes because it has strong excitation bands in the near ultraviolet. In addition to providing a means for detecting chemically distinct forms of lanthanide-lipid complexes, the luminescence can be used to monitor cation-induced lateral segregation. Ce3+ to Tb3+ energy transfer was observed at lanthanide levels as low as 1:1000 Ln3+/phosphatidic acid, indicating clustering or phase separation. Initial clustering occurs on a subsecond timescale, followed by a much slower aggregation continuing for several minutes to hours. Addition of a chelator results in slow release of the lanthanides. In the case of the dioleoylphosphatidic acid complexes, release is bimodal and indicative of cation entrapment; dimyristoylphosphatidic acid complexes exhibit this behavior only at high temperatures. These observations are consistent with the relative tendencies of these two lipids to form the HII phase. This work sets the foundation for experiments designed to determine the size of nucleation sites for cation-induced events such as intramembrane inverted micelle formation and membrane fusion.

Tb3+ and Ca2+ binding to phosphatidylcholine. A study comparing data from optical, NMR, and infrared spectroscopies

The paramagnetic and luminescent lanthanides are unique probes of cation-phospholipid interactions. Their spectroscopic properties provide the means to characterize and monitor complexes formed with lipids in ways not possible with biochemically more interesting cations, such as Ca2+. In this work, Tb3+-phosphatidylcholine complexes are described using the luminescence properties of Tb3+, the effect of its paramagnetism on the 31P NMR and 13C NMR spectra of the lipid, and changes in the infrared spectrum of the lipid induced by the cation. There are two Tb3+-phosphatidylcholine complexes with very different coordination environments, as evidenced by changes in the optical excitation spectrum of the lanthanide. The NMR experiments indicate that the two complexes differ in the number of phosphate groups directly coordinating Tb3+. Tb3+ binding induces changes in the phosphodiester infrared bands that are most consistent with bidentate chelation of Tb3+ by each phosphate, whereas Ca2+-induced changes are more consistent with monodentate coordination. The significance of this discrepancy is discussed.