Protein on the Edge: Studying the Molecular Mechanisms That Control Protein-Membrane Interaction

Dear Colleagues,

Soluble proteins and cell membranes belong to opposite molecular worlds, characterized by complementary physical and chemical properties, that give rise to interesting phenomena when they come in contact. So far, several mechanisms of interaction have been recognized and characterized. The first one includes protein–receptor recognition, which actually is not a real protein–membrane interaction, but rather a protein–protein interaction. A second possibility is the presence of specific “anchorage” sites (such as lipid rafts and gangliosides to mention a few). Finally, some proteins may change their tridimensional conformation in the presence of membranes, exposing hydrophobic patches that can (partially) penetrate into the double layer. In all cases, these mutual interactions give rise to molecular processes in which the size, shape and curvature of the lipid layer also play a relevant mechanical role. Clarifying these mechanisms at the molecular level will provide new insights on the strategies that some soluble proteins adopt in crossing the hydrophobic bilayer, thus opening new perspectives to drug delivery methodologies. This Special Issue is focused on the characterization of the effects that protein binding has on model and biological membranes, as observed through the multi-disciplinary scientific approach offered by the available, modern complementary biophysical techniques, including classical biochemistry, molecular spectroscopy, imaging and atomic force microscopy.

Dr. Giampiero Mei
Dr. Almerinda Di Venere
Guest Editors

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• protein–membrane interaction
• lipid raft
• protein conformational change
• membrane crossing