Lipid composition influences the shape of human low density lipoprotein in vitreous ice

Earlier cryo‐electron microscopic studies have indicated that the normal low density lipoprotein (N‐LDL) has a discoid shape when its core is in the liquid‐crystalline state. In the present study, we investigated whether the shape of LDL depends on the physical state and/or the lipid composition of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Lipids 2005-05, Vol.40 (5), p.495-500
Main Authors: Coronado‐Gray, Andrea, Antwerpen, Rik
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cholesterol - analysis
Cryoelectron Microscopy
Freezing
Humans
Ice
Lipids - analysis
Lipoproteins, LDL - chemistry
Lipoproteins, LDL - ultrastructure
Transition temperatures
Triglycerides - analysis
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Summary:Earlier cryo‐electron microscopic studies have indicated that the normal low density lipoprotein (N‐LDL) has a discoid shape when its core is in the liquid‐crystalline state. In the present study, we investigated whether the shape of LDL depends on the physical state and/or the lipid composition of the lipoprotein core. Using a custom‐built freezing device, we vitrified N‐LDL samples from either above or below the phase‐transition temperature of the core (42 and 24°C, respectively). Cryo‐electron microscopy revealed no differences between these samples and indicated a discoid shape of the N‐LDL particle. In contrast, TG‐enriched LDL (T‐LDL) did not have discoid features and appeared to be quasi‐spherical in preparations that were vitrified from either 42 or 24°C. These results suggest that the shape of N‐LDL is discoid, regardless of the physical state of its core, whereas T‐LDL is more spherical. Aspects that may influence the shape of LDL are discussed.
ISSN:0024-4201
1558-9307
DOI:10.1007/s11745-005-1409-x