Lipid asymmetry induced by transmembrane pH gradients in large unilamellar vesicles

We have investigated the influence of transmembrane pH gradients across large unilamellar vesicle membranes on the transbilayer distributions of simple lipids with weak base and weak acid characteristics. Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid labeling results consistent with a rapid and complete migration of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of biological chemistry 1987-03, Vol.262 (9), p.4360-4366
Main Authors: Hope, M.J., Cullis, P.R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Affinity Labels
Amines - metabolism
Biological and medical sciences
Cell membranes. Ionic channels. Membrane pores
Cell structures and functions
Chromatography, Ion Exchange
Fatty Acids - metabolism
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Indicators and Reagents
Lipid Bilayers - metabolism
lipids
Liposomes - metabolism
Membrane Lipids - metabolism
membrane vesicles
Molecular and cellular biology
Oleic Acid
Oleic Acids - metabolism
Onium Compounds
Organophosphorus Compounds
phospholipids
Sphingosine - metabolism
Stearic Acids - metabolism
Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid
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Summary:We have investigated the influence of transmembrane pH gradients across large unilamellar vesicle membranes on the transbilayer distributions of simple lipids with weak base and weak acid characteristics. Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid labeling results consistent with a rapid and complete migration of stearylamine and sphingosine to the inner monolayer of the large unilamellar vesicles are observed when the large unilamellar vesicles' interior is acidic. Alternatively, when the vesicle interior is basic, oleic and stearic acid cannot be removed by external bovine serum albumin, indicating a localization in the inner monolayer. Moreover, effects corresponding to the decrease in external surface charge predicted upon the migration of stearylamine or stearic acid to the inner monolayer are readily detected employing ion exchange chromatography. These results are consistent with transbilayer distributions of these agents dictated by a Henderson-Hasselbach equilibrium. The possible implications for metabolic regulation by pH gradients, as well as factors giving rise to phospholipid transbilayer asymmetry, are discussed.
ISSN:0021-9258
1083-351X
DOI:10.1016/S0021-9258(18)61356-0