Emerging role for lipids in structures and functions of multidrug transporter

Jean-Marie Ruysschaert, professeur (émérite) à l’Université Libre de Bruxelles

The molecular mechanisms underlying the influence of the lipid environment on the function of membrane proteins remain unclear. In a number of cases, protein function is proposed to be influenced by the bulk physico-chemical properties of the membrane, which in turn are strictly determined by the exact lipid composition of the bilayer. Such properties include hydrophobic thickness, phase transition, curvature and lateral pressure. An opposite view is that the function and activity are mediated by specific lipid-protein interactions. Are protein function and structure depending on bulk properties of the bilayer or are specific interactions between the lipids and the protein necessary is a key question that will be discussed and illustrated with a few examples.

References :
 Gustot A, Smriti, Ruysschaert J-M, McHaourab H and Govaerts C. J. Biol.Chem. (2010) J Biol Chem (2010) 285, 14144-51.
 Lensink MF, Govaerts C, Ruysschaert J-M, J Biol Chem (2010) 285:10519-26.
 Hakizimana P, Masureel M, Gbaguidi B, Ruysschaert J-M, Govaerts C. J Biol Chem (2008) 283:9369-76.
 Vigano C, Manciu L and Ruysschaert J-M Accounts of Chemical Research (2005) 38:117-26. Review.
 Grimard V, Li C, Ramjeesingh M, Bear CE, Goormaghtigh E and Ruysschaert J-M, J Biol Chem (2004) 279:5528-36.

Seminar 2011/02/08

Emerging roles for lipids in structures and functions of multidrug transporters

Réception à 9h45 avec café/croissants.