Partitioning of Lipids at Domain Boundaries in Model Membranes

Citation (APA 7)

Schäfer, L. V., & Marrink, S. J. (2010). Partitioning of lipids at domain boundaries in model membranes. Biophysical journal, 99(12), L91-L93.

Abstract

Line-active molecules (“linactants”) that bind to the boundary interface between different fluid lipid domains in membranes have a strong potential as regulators of the lateral heterogeneity that is important for many biological processes. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations in combination with a coarse-grain model that retains near-atomic resolution to identify lipid species that can act as linactants in a model membrane that is segregated into two lipid domains of different fluidity. Our simulations predict that certain hybrid saturated/unsaturated chain lipids can bind to the interface and lower the line tension, whereas cone-shaped lysolipids have a less pronounced effect.