Changes in supramolecular structure of lipid bilayers induced by protein-lipid interactions

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Structural and conformational changes in lipid bilayers and in proteins taking place during the binding process will be investigated by Polarization Modulation Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (PM FTIRRAS). This research shall open a new way to study the impact of carbohydrate-protein interaction on structure of the membrane. Cholera toxin having resolved by X-ray diffraction crystal structure will serve as the model protein and will be used to verify the applicability of the method. In the further course of this project the interaction of siglec proteins with glycolipids will be studied. Due to the presence of charged lipids and proteins the natural membranes are constantly exposed to high electric fields. Therefore a model lipid bilayer prepared on the electrode surface will provide an excellent environment to understand the role of the electric field in the protein binding. Electrochemical techniques describe only qualitatively the dynamics and structural properties of organic films and proteins involved in binding. The PM FTIRRAS method will allow to understand the processes occurring at the electrified phase boundary at the molecular level. In order to recognize molecular behavior in thin films, electrochemistry will be combined with an in situ spectroscopic technique, sensitive to molecular structure.