Collaborative Research: Electro-Mechanical Interactions in Biological Membranes

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Lipid membranes form the envelope surrounding the interior of biological cells. These membranes exhibitunique mechanical and electrical properties that interact in such a way as to facilitate a wide range ofbiological processes. The structure of the lipid molecules that constitute these membranes imparts unusualmechanical behavior resembling that of liquid crystals, a phase of matter intermediate between conventionalsolids and liquids. Another basic feature of plasma membranes is a negatively charged inner layer of lipidmolecules. These charged lipids diffuse on the membrane surface in response to physical forces. In turn,charged lipids play a significant role in regulating the functionality of membrane-embedded proteinstructures. The objective of this project is to formulate and employ mathematical and computational modelsto investigate electro-mechanical interactions of lipid-protein systems. Insights gained from the project willlead to improved understanding of physical processes occurring at the cellular level. This in turn is expectedto enhance understanding of the mechanisms underlying lipid-associated diseases and the efficacy of drugtherapies. Thus, the project will promote the progress of fundamental science and advance nationalpriorities in the critical area of healthcare. The project combines expertise in various branches of physics,structural engineering and cellular biology. It will provide advanced training to a diverse group of studentsand thereby enhance U.S. global competitiveness by contributing to the establishment of a new generationof interdisciplinary scientists and engineers.This project will provide the mathematical framework to describe the fundamental interactions of chargedlipids and proteins in biological membranes. It will culminate in a predictive tool for the simulation of themicroscopic electromechanical interactions responsible for a host of cellular functions. Its novel featuresinclude the use of continuum theory and molecular dynamics modeling of the coupled interplay betweenmembrane deformation at the lipid-protein interfaces, diffusion of charged lipids and proteins, and thequantification of the role of electric fields on the behavior of the combined system. The derived frameworkwould also assist researchers in the mechanics and material science communities to model complex 2Dinterfaces.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.