Mechanism and kinetics of pore formation in membranes by water-soluble amphipathic peptides

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0710625105
• Publication Date: 2008-03-29T12:26:21Z
• Authors: Ming-Tao Lee; Wei-Chin Hung; Fang-Yu Chen; Huey W. Huang
• Keywords: Melittin

How antimicrobial peptides form pores in membranes is of interest as a fundamental membrane process. However, the underlying molecular mechanism, which has potential applications therapeutics, nonviral gene transfer, and drug delivery, been dispute. We have resolved this mechanism by observing time-dependent process pore formation individual giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) exposed to melittin solution. An GUV first expanded its surface area at constant volume then suddenly reversed expanding area. The expansion, point reversal all match results equilibrium measurements performed on peptide-lipid mixtures. includes negative feedback that makes peptide-induced stable with well defined size, contrary suggestion disintegrate detergent-like manner.