Single-molecule height measurements on microsomal cytochrome P450 in nanometer-scale phospholipid bilayer disks

Timothy H. Bayburt, Stephen G. Sligar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The architecture of membrane proteins in their native environment of the phospholipid bilayer is critical for understanding physiological function, but has been difficult to realize experimentally. In this communication we describe the incorporation of a membrane-anchored protein into a supported phospholipid bilayer. Cytochrome P450 2B4 solubilized and purified from the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum was incorporated into phospholipid bilayer nanostructures and oriented on a surface for visualization by atomic force microscopy. Individual P450 molecules were observed protruding from the bilayer surface. Problems associated with deformation of the protein by the atomic force microscopy probe were avoided by analyzing force-dependent height measurements to quantitate the height of the protein above the bilayer surface. Measurements of the atomic force microscopy cantilever deflection as a function of probe-sample separation reveal that the top of the P450 opposite the N-terminal membrane anchor region sits 3.5 nanometers above the phospholipid-water boundary. Models of the orientation of the enzyme are presented and discussed in relation to membrane interactions and interaction with cytochrome P450 reductase.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6725-6730
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume99
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - May 14 2002

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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