Incorporation kinetics in a membrane, studied with the pore-forming peptide alamethicin

Biophys J. 1987 Nov;52(5):685-92. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3495(87)83263-0.

Abstract

The reaction of fluorescence-labeled alamethicin with unilamellar phospholipid vesicles (DOPC and DMPC) has been investigated in a stopped-flow apparatus. Clearly single exponential time functions have been observed at temperatures above the phase transition of the bilayer. This can be interpreted in terms of an essentially one-step incorporation process. The pseudo first-order forward rate is found to be quite fast, falling in a range somewhat below the diffusion controlled upper bound. The data are quantitatively very well described on the basis of a simple mechanism. This comprises diffusion of peptide into the bilayer accompanied by a more or less slower change of the secondary structure. Aggregation of the incorporated molecules at higher concentrations is indicated to be comparatively rapid.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alamethicin*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents*
  • Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine*
  • Kinetics
  • Lipid Bilayers*
  • Models, Biological
  • Phosphatidylcholines*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Alamethicin
  • 1,2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine
  • Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine