A THERMODYNAMIC STUDY OF PROTEIN-INDUCED LIPID LATERAL PHASE-SEPARATION - EFFECT OF LYSOZYME ON MIXED LIPID VESICLES

In this work we study by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) the lateral phase separation induced by a globular protein (lysozyme) on vesicles built-up by charged (phosphatidic acid) and neutral (phosphatidylcholine) lipids. The adsorption of the positively charged protein onto the negative vesicle surface induces the formation of micro-domains richer in the charged lipid component. This phenomenon is revealed as a splitting of the excess heat capacity peak associated to the melting of the lipid hydrocarbon chains. Also, the peak associated to the protein denaturation is shifted, suggesting the presence of adsorbed proteins onto the vesicle surface. The surface electrostatic potentials, both of proteins and vesicles, have been modulated by pH and ionic strength variations, showing a deep influence of the electric charges in modifying protein adsorption, rate of denaturation (related to unfolding enthalpy variation), and lipid micro-domain formation. Some of the present results have been rationalized on the basis of a theoretical model recently developed by the authors.