Regulation and Interactions of Lipid Membranes

A special issue of Membranes (ISSN 2077-0375). This special issue belongs to the section "Biological Membrane Functions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 8326

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
Interests: liposomes; drug delivery; spectroscopy; biomolecules complexation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, fundamental studies on lipid membranes bring new, bright insights in biomedicine, biotechnology, and bioengineering. A variety of lipid membrane properties, depending on the composition and conditions, provides exciting development prospects in drug delivery and biochemistry. Understanding the mechanisms of interactions between membranes and small molecules, e.g., drugs and polymers, is the key to tailoring smart supramolecular systems.

The intensive development of new instrumental approaches, such as fluorescence probes, molecular spectroscopy, microscopy techniques, and molecular modeling, leads to new revolutionary results in the science of lipid membranes.

This Special Issue aims to cover the latest developments and innovations regarding the regulation and interactions of lipid membranes. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Drug–lipid membrane interaction.
  • Polymer–lipid membrane interaction.
  • Protein–lipid membrane interaction.
  • Nucleic acid–lipid membrane interaction.
  • Extracellular vesicles.
  • Membrane rafts as potential binding sites for ligands of different natures.
  • New instrumental techniques and approaches for lipid membrane studies (including theoretical calculations).
  • Drug delivery on the basis of lipid membranes.

Dr. Irina M. Le-Deygen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • lipid membranes
  • liposomes
  • niosomes
  • drug delivery
  • molecular spectroscopy
  • fluorescence
  • biomolecules
  • nanomedicine

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 2985 KiB  
Article
Protein Corona of Anionic Fluid-Phase Liposomes Compromises Their Integrity Rather than Uptake by Cells
by Daria Tretiakova, Maria Kobanenko, Anna Alekseeva, Ivan Boldyrev, Sergey Khaidukov, Viktor Zgoda, Olga Tikhonova, Elena Vodovozova and Natalia Onishchenko
Membranes 2023, 13(7), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes13070681 - 20 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1220
Abstract
Despite the undisputable role of the protein corona in the biointeractions of liposome drug carriers, the field suffers from a lack of knowledge regarding the patterns of protein deposition on lipid surfaces with different compositions. Here, we investigated the protein coronas formed on [...] Read more.
Despite the undisputable role of the protein corona in the biointeractions of liposome drug carriers, the field suffers from a lack of knowledge regarding the patterns of protein deposition on lipid surfaces with different compositions. Here, we investigated the protein coronas formed on liposomes of basic compositions containing combinations of egg phosphatidylcholine (PC), palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylglycerol (POPG), and cholesterol. Liposome−protein complexes isolated by size-exclusion chromatography were delipidated and analyzed using label-free LC-MS/MS. The addition of the anionic lipid and cholesterol both affected the relative protein abundances (and not the total bound proteins) in the coronas. Highly anionic liposomes, namely those containing 40% POPG, carried corona enriched with cationic proteins (apolipoprotein C1, beta-2-glycoprotein 1, and cathelicidins) and were the least stable in the calcein release assay. Cholesterol improved the liposome stability in the plasma. However, the differences in the corona compositions had little effect on the liposome uptake by endothelial (EA.hy926) and phagocytic cells in the culture (U937) or ex vivo (blood-derived monocytes and neutrophils). The findings emphasize that the effect of protein corona on the performance of the liposomes as drug carriers occurs through compromising particle stability rather than interfering with cellular uptake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation and Interactions of Lipid Membranes)
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13 pages, 3395 KiB  
Article
pH-Sensitive Liposomes with Embedded 3-(isobutylamino)cholan-24-oic Acid: What Is the Possible Mechanism of Fast Cargo Release?
by Anna A. Efimova, Anton S. Popov, Alexey V. Kazantsev, Pavel I. Semenyuk, Irina M. Le-Deygen, Nikolay V. Lukashev and Alexander A. Yaroslavov
Membranes 2023, 13(4), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes13040407 - 04 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1398
Abstract
pH-sensitive liposomes have great potential for biomedical applications, in particular as nanocontainers for the delivery of biologically active compounds to specific areas of the human body. In this article, we discuss the possible mechanism of fast cargo release from a new type of [...] Read more.
pH-sensitive liposomes have great potential for biomedical applications, in particular as nanocontainers for the delivery of biologically active compounds to specific areas of the human body. In this article, we discuss the possible mechanism of fast cargo release from a new type of pH-sensitive liposomes with embedded ampholytic molecular switch (AMS, 3-(isobutylamino)cholan-24-oic acid) with carboxylic anionic groups and isobutylamino cationic ones attached to the opposite ends of the steroid core. AMS-containing liposomes demonstrated the rapid release of the encapsulated substance when altering the pH of an outer solution, but the exact mechanism of the switch action has not yet been accurately determined. Here, we report on the details of fast cargo release based on the data obtained using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as well as atomistic molecular modeling. The findings of this study are relevant to the potential application of AMS-containing pH-sensitive liposomes for drug delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation and Interactions of Lipid Membranes)
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21 pages, 7400 KiB  
Article
Mannosylated-Chitosan-Coated Andrographolide Nanoliposomes for the Treatment of Hepatitis: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations
by Sayali Pravin Metkar, Gasper Fernandes, Ajinkya Nitin Nikam, Soji Soman, Sumit Birangal, Raviraja N Seetharam, Manjunath Bandu Joshi and Srinivas Mutalik
Membranes 2023, 13(2), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes13020193 - 03 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1460
Abstract
A key diterpene lactone of Andrographis paniculata, i.e., andrographolide (AG), exhibits a variety of physiological properties, including hepatoprotection. The limited solubility, short half-life, and poor bioavailability limits the pharmacotherapeutic potential of AG. Therefore, in this study we aimed to formulate and optimize AG-loaded [...] Read more.
A key diterpene lactone of Andrographis paniculata, i.e., andrographolide (AG), exhibits a variety of physiological properties, including hepatoprotection. The limited solubility, short half-life, and poor bioavailability limits the pharmacotherapeutic potential of AG. Therefore, in this study we aimed to formulate and optimize AG-loaded nanoliposomes (AGL) using the Design of Experiment (DOE) approach and further modify the surface of the liposomes with mannosylated chitosan to enhance its oral bioavailability. Physical, morphological, and solid-state characterization was performed to confirm the formation of AGL and Mannosylated chitosan-coated AGL (MCS-AGL). Molecular docking studies were conducted to understand the ligand (MCS) protein (1EGG) type of interaction. Further, in vitro release, ex vivo drug permeation, and in vivo pharmacokinetics studies were conducted. The morphological studies confirmed that AGL was spherical and a layer of MCS coating was observed on their surface, forming the MCS-AGL. Further increase in the particle size and change in the zeta potential of MCS-AGL confirms the coating on the surface of AGL (375.3 nm, 29.80 mV). The in vitro drug release data reflected a sustained drug release profile from MCS-AGL in the phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) with 89.9 ± 2.13% drug release in 8 h. Ex vivo permeation studies showed higher permeation of AG from MCS-AGL (1.78-fold) compared to plain AG and AGL (1.37-fold), indicating improved permeability profiles of MCS-AGL. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies inferred that MCS-AGL had a 1.56-fold enhancement in AUC values compared to plain AG, confirming that MCS-AGL improved the bioavailability of AG. Additionally, the 2.25-fold enhancement in the MRT proves that MCS coating also enhances the in vivo stability and retention of AG (stealth effect). MCS as a polymer therefore has a considerable potential for improving the intestinal permeability and bioavailability of poorly soluble and permeable drugs or phytoconstituents when coated over nanocarriers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation and Interactions of Lipid Membranes)
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16 pages, 4420 KiB  
Article
Effect of Distigmasterol-Modified Acylglycerols on the Fluidity and Phase Transition of Lipid Model Membranes
by Hanna Pruchnik, Aleksandra Włoch, Witold Gładkowski, Aleksandra Grudniewska, Anna Chojnacka, Mateusz Krzemiński and Magdalena Rudzińska
Membranes 2022, 12(11), 1054; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12111054 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1088
Abstract
Plant sterols are known for their health-promoting effects, lowering blood cholesterol levels and alleviating cardiovascular disease. In this work, we continue our research on the asymmetric acylglycerols in which fatty acid residues are replaced by two stigmasterol residues in sn-1 and sn [...] Read more.
Plant sterols are known for their health-promoting effects, lowering blood cholesterol levels and alleviating cardiovascular disease. In this work, we continue our research on the asymmetric acylglycerols in which fatty acid residues are replaced by two stigmasterol residues in sn-1 and sn-2 or sn-2 and sn-3 positions as new thermostable carriers of phytosterols for their potential application in foods or as components of new liposomes in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this manuscript was to compare and analyze the effects of four distigmasterol-modified acylglycerols (dStigMAs) on the fluidity and the main phase transition temperature of the model phospholipid membrane. Their properties were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), steady-state fluorimetry and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The determination of the effect of the tested compounds on the mentioned physicochemical parameters of the model membranes will allow for the determination of their properties and stability, which is essential for their practical application. The results indicated that all compounds effect on the physicochemical properties of the model membrane. The degree of these changes depends on the structure of the compound, especially the type of linker by which stigmasterol is attached to the glycerol backbone, as well as on the type of hydrocarbon chain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation and Interactions of Lipid Membranes)
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Review

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16 pages, 2026 KiB  
Review
Cholesterol Regulation of Membrane Proteins Revealed by Two-Color Super-Resolution Imaging
by Zixuan Yuan and Scott B. Hansen
Membranes 2023, 13(2), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes13020250 - 20 Feb 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2667
Abstract
Cholesterol and phosphatidyl inositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) are hydrophobic molecules that regulate protein function in the plasma membrane of all cells. In this review, we discuss how changes in cholesterol concentration cause nanoscopic (<200 nm) movements of membrane proteins to regulate their [...] Read more.
Cholesterol and phosphatidyl inositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) are hydrophobic molecules that regulate protein function in the plasma membrane of all cells. In this review, we discuss how changes in cholesterol concentration cause nanoscopic (<200 nm) movements of membrane proteins to regulate their function. Cholesterol is known to cluster many membrane proteins (often palmitoylated proteins) with long-chain saturated lipids. Although PIP2 is better known for gating ion channels, in this review, we will discuss a second independent function as a regulator of nanoscopic protein movement that opposes cholesterol clustering. The understanding of the movement of proteins between nanoscopic lipid domains emerged largely through the recent advent of super-resolution imaging and the establishment of two-color techniques to label lipids separate from proteins. We discuss the labeling techniques for imaging, their strengths and weakness, and how they are used to reveal novel mechanisms for an ion channel, transporter, and enzyme function. Among the mechanisms, we describe substrate and ligand presentation and their ability to activate enzymes, gate channels, and transporters rapidly and potently. Finally, we define cholesterol-regulated proteins (CRP) and discuss the role of PIP2 in opposing the regulation of cholesterol, as seen through super-resolution imaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation and Interactions of Lipid Membranes)
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