The structure and function of proteins and peptides that incorporate into membranes can be systematically studied in liposomes of defined composition which mimic cellular components, as well as in the cell. Examples are amphipathic peptides from serum apolipoproteins which exhibit biological activity, as well as toxic peptides like antimicrobial peptides, and Bcl-2 proteins with proapoptotic function like Bax, Bid and tBid.

 

References:

R.M. Epand, R.F. Epand, B.G.Sayer, G.Datta, M.Chadda and G.M.Anantharamiah.2004. Two homologous Apolipoprotein AI Mimetic Peptides: Relationship Between Membrane Interactions and Biological Activity. J. Biol. Chem., 279(49):51404-51414.

 

R.F. Epand, T.L.Raguse, S.H. Gellman and R.M. Epand. 2004. Antimicrobial 14-helical beta-peptides: potent bilayer disrupting agents. Biochemistry, 43(29):9527-953.


G. Datta, R.F. Epand, R.M. Epand, M. Chaddha, M.A. Kirksey, D.W. Garber, S..Lund-Katz, M.C. Phillips, S. Hama, M. Navab, A.M. Fogelman, M.N. Palgunachari, J.P. Segrest, G.M. Anantharamaiah. 2004. Aromatic residue position on the nonpolar face of class A amphipathic helical peptides determines biological activity. J Biol Chem, 279(25):26509-26517.

 

R.M. Epand, R.F. Epand, B.G. Sayer, G. Melacini, M N. Palgulachari, J.P. Segrest and G.M. Anantharamiah. 2004. An Apolipoprotein A1 mimetic peptide: membrane interactions and the role of cholesterol. Biochemistry, 43(17):5073-5083.

 

R.F. Epand, J.-C. Martinou, S. Montessuit and R.M. Epand. 2004. Fatty acids enhance membrane permeabilization by proapoptotic Bax. Biochem J.,377(Pt 2):509-16.

 

R.F. Epand, J.-C. Martinou, S. Montessuit and R.M. Epand. 2003. The tranbilayer lipid diffusion promoted by Bax:

implications for apoptosis. Biochemistry, 42(49):14576-14582.

 

R.F. Epand, J.C. Martinou, S. Montesuit, R.M. Epand and C.M. Yip.2002. Direct evidence for membrane pore formation by the propapoptotic protein Bax.

BBRC, 365(3):841-848.

 

R.F.Epand, J.C. Martinou, S. Montesuit and R.M. Epand. 2002. Membrane perturbations induced by the apoptotic Bax protein. Biochem J. 367(3):849-844.

 

 

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