Membrane proteins (MPs) are the gatekeepers between different biological compartments separated by lipid bilayers. Being receptors, channels, transporters, or primary pumps, they fulfill a wide variety of cellular functions and their importance is reflected in the increasing number of drugs that target MPs. Functional studies of MPs within a native cellular context, however, is difficult due to the innate complexity of the densely packed membranes. Over the past decades, detergent-based extraction and purification of MPs and their reconstitution into lipid mimetic systems has been a very powerful tool to simplify the experimental system. In this review, we focus on proteoliposomes that have become an indispensable experimental system for enzymes with a vectorial function, including many of the here described energy transducing MPs. We first address long standing questions on the difficulty of successful reconstitution and controlled orientation of MPs into liposomes. A special emphasis is given on coreconstitution of several MPs into the same bilayer. Second, we discuss recent progress in the development of fluorescent dyes that offer sensitive detection with high temporal resolution. Finally, we briefly cover the use of giant unilamellar vesicles for the investigation of complex enzymatic cascades, a very promising experimental tool considering our increasing knowledge of the interplay of different cellular components.
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Cover Image
Cover Image
The transcript is populated with numerous overlapping codes that regulate all steps of gene expression. These codes cannot be readily discovered and understood without the use of computational modelling and algorithms. In this issue (see pages 1519–1528), Bahiri-Elitzur and Tuller summarize and discuss the different approaches that have been employed in the field in recent years. This cover artwork has been created by Hagar Messer and was provided by Tamir Tuller.
Current problems and future avenues in proteoliposome research
Andrea Marco Amati, Simone Graf, Sabina Deutschmann, Nicolas Dolder, Christoph von Ballmoos; Current problems and future avenues in proteoliposome research. Biochem Soc Trans 28 August 2020; 48 (4): 1473–1492. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20190966
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