Tripod amphiphiles for membrane protein manipulation

• DOI: 10.1039/b915162c
• Publication Date: 2009-10-15T08:30:15Z
• Authors: Pil Seok Chae; Philip D. Laible; Samuel H. Gellman
• Keywords: Tripod (photography)

Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) are crucial biological components, mediating the transfer of material and information between cells their environment. Many IMPs have proven to be difficult isolate study. High-resolution structural on this class is limited, largely because difficulties in generating soluble forms such that retain native folding activity, high-quality crystals from preparations. Isolated typically do not dissolve aqueous solution, a property arises large patches hydrophobic surface necessary for favorable interactions with core lipid bilayer. Detergents generally required IMP solubilization: segments detergent molecules cluster around shield water protein surfaces. The critical role played by detergents manipulation, fact many recalcitrant solubilization and/or crystallization currently available detergents, suggest it should valuable explore new types amphiphiles these purposes. This review constitutes progress report our long-term effort develop organic molecules, collectively designated "tripod amphiphiles," intended as alternatives conventional manipulation. One long-range goal research identify facilitate crystallization. help introduce an important biochemical need chemists, perhaps inspire approaches problem.