Falck Emma, Róg Tomasz, Karttunen Mikko, Vattulainen Ilpo
Laboratory of Physics and Helsinki Institute of Physics, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland.
J Am Chem Soc. 2008 Jan 9;130(1):44-5. doi: 10.1021/ja7103558. Epub 2007 Dec 14.
There is no comprehensive model for the dynamics of cellular membranes. Even mechanisms of basic dynamic processes, such as lateral diffusion of lipids, are poorly understood. Our atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulations support a novel, concerted mechanism for lipid diffusion. We find that a lipid and its nearest neighbors move in unison, forming loosely defined clusters. What is more, the motions of lipids are correlated over tens of nanometers: the lateral displacements of lipids in a given monolayer produce striking two-dimensional flow patterns. These flow patterns should have wide implications, affecting, for example, the formation of membrane domains, protein functionality, and action of lipases and drugs on membranes.
目前尚无关于细胞膜动力学的全面模型。即使是基本动态过程的机制，如脂质的横向扩散，也了解甚少。我们的原子尺度分子动力学模拟支持一种新颖的、协同的脂质扩散机制。我们发现，一种脂质及其最近邻会协同移动，形成定义松散的簇。此外，脂质的运动在数十纳米范围内相关：给定单层中脂质的横向位移会产生显著的二维流动模式。这些流动模式应该具有广泛的影响，例如影响膜结构域的形成、蛋白质功能以及脂肪酶和药物对膜的作用。
