Vertical displacement of membrane proteins mediated by changes in microviscosity

摘要: Membrane proteins of intact human erythrocytes were labeled with two fluorescent sulfhydryl reagents. The tagged cells then subjected to simultaneous liposome treatments for either depletion or enrichment membrane cholesterol content. Cholesterol depletion, which reduces microviscosity, was followed by a series fluorescence changes all indicating masking the proteins. Conversely increasing microviscosity resulted in an appreciable increase protein exposure aqueous surrounding. These findings strongly suggest that may be vertically displaced upon lipid fluidity, mechanism play significant role modulation antigens and receptors vivo.