Lipid transfer proteins as a tool in the study of membrane structure. Inside-outside distribution of the phospholipids in the protoplasmic membrane of Micrococcuslysodeikticus

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Abstract

A method is presented which permits study of the sidedness of phospholipids in biological membranes by protein mediated phospholipid exchange between membranes and liposomes. For the protoplasmic membrane of M.lysodeikticus it was found that about one half of the total phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol can be transferred by proteins, while phosphatidylinositol is not transferable. From a comparison of these results with those obtained with ghosts of M.lysodeikticus and pronase treated protoplasts it is concluded that diphosphatidylglycerol distributes almost evenly between the inner and outer surfaces of the protoplasmic membrane whereas phosphatidylglycerol is located predominantly on the outer surface and phosphatidylinositol on the inner one. Such asymmetrical distribution correlates with results obtained upon treatment of the protoplasts with phospholipases A2 and C.

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