Dynamics of Lipid Transfer by Phosphatidylinositol Transfer Proteins in Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Shadan Sadaf, Holic Roman, Carvou Nicolas, Ee Patrick, Li Michelle, Murray-Rust Judith, Cockcroft Shamshad
Primary Institution: University College London
Hypothesis
Whether phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) function as lipid transfer proteins in vivo has not been established.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that PITPα and PITPβ continuously interact with cellular membranes to exchange lipid cargo.
Supporting Evidence
- PITPα and PITPβ are essential for neuronal development and cytokinesis.
- NEM treatment revealed that PITP dynamics involve conformational changes upon membrane interaction.
- Mutations in specific residues of PITPs affect their ability to dock and transfer lipids.
- Both PITPα and PITPβ are shown to interact with membranes in live cells.
Takeaway
PITP proteins help move fats around inside cells, and they change shape to do this. This study shows they are always checking the membranes to swap fats.
Methodology
The study used thiol-modifying agents to monitor PITP interactions with membranes in intact cells, analyzing lipid transfer activity and protein localization.
Limitations
The study does not quantify the exact frequency of PITP interactions with membranes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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