Molecular interactions with bilayer membrane stacks using neutron and X-ray diffraction

Bryant, Saffron J.; Darwish, Tamim A.; Bryant, Gary; Georgii, Robert; Garvey, Christopher J.

doi:10.1016/j.cis.2024.103134

Journal Article

IMPULSE-2024-00087

Molecular interactions with bilayer membrane stacks using neutron and X-ray diffraction

Bryant, S. J. (Corresponding author) ; Garvey, C. J.MLZ* ; Darwish, T. A. ; Georgii, R.MLZ* ; Bryant, G.

2024
Elsevier New York, NY [u.a.]

Advances in colloid and interface science 326, 103134 - (2024) [10.1016/j.cis.2024.103134]

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.cis.2024.103134

Abstract: Lamellar unit cell reconstruction from neutron and X-ray diffraction data providesinformation about the disposition and position of molecules and molecular segments withrespect to the bilayer. When supplemented with the judicious use of molecular deuteration,the technique probes the molecular interactions and conformations within the bilayermembrane and the water layer which constitute the crystallographic unit cell. Theperspective is model independent, and potentially, with a higher degree of resolution thanis available with other techniques. In the case of neutron diffraction the measurementconsists of carefully normalised diffracted intensity under conditions of contrast variation ofthe water layer. The subsequent Fourier reconstruction of the unit cell is made using thephase information from variation of peak intensities with contrast. Although the phaseproblem is not as easily solved for the corresponding X-ray measurements, an intuitiveapproach can often suffice. Here we discuss the two complimentary techniques as probes ofscattering length density profiles of a bilayer, and how such a perspective providesinformation about the location and orientation of molecules within or between lipidbilayers. Within the basic paradigm of lamellar phases this method has provided, forexample, detailed insights into the location and interaction of cryoprotectants and stressproteins, of the mechanisms of actions of viral proteins, antimicrobial compounds anddrugs, and the underlying structure of the stratum corneum. In this paper we review thesetechniques and provide examples of the systems that have been examined. We finish with afuture outlook on the use of these techniques to improve our understanding of theinteractions of membranes with biomolecules.

Keyword(s): Health and Life (1st) ; Soft Condensed Matter (2nd)

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