RT Journal Article
T1 Nanomechanical properties of composite protein networks of erythroid membranes at lipid surfaces
A1 Encinar, Mario
A1 Casado, Santiago
A1 Calzado-Martín, Alicia
A1 Natale, Paolo
A1 San Paulo, Álvaro
A1 Calleja, Montserrat
A1 Vélez, Marisela
A1 Monroy Muñoz, Francisco
A1 López-Montero, Iván
AB Erythrocyte membranes have been particularly useful as a model for studies of membrane structure and mechanics. Native erythroid membranes can be electroformed as giant unilamellar vesicles (eGUVs). In the presence of ATP, the erythroid membrane proteins of eGUVs rearrange into protein networks at the microscale. Here, we present a detailed nanomechanical study of individual protein microfilaments forming the protein networks of eGUVs when spread on supporting surfaces. Using Peak Force tapping Atomic Force Microscopy (PF-AFM) in liquid environment we have obtained the mechanical maps of the composite lipid-protein networks supported on solid surface. In the absence of ATP, the protein pool was characterized by a Young’s Modulus Epool ≈ 5–15 MPa whereas the complex filaments were found softer after protein supramolecular rearrangement; Efil ≈ 0.4 MPa. The observed protein softening and reassembling could be relevant for understanding the mechanisms of cytoskeleton reorganization found in pathological erythrocytes or erythrocytes that are affected by biological agents.
PB Elsevier
SN 0927-7765
YR 2017
FD 2017
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/19022
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/19022
LA eng
NO The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (ERC grant agreement n° 338133)
NO Unión Europea. FP7
NO Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO)
DS Docta Complutense
RD 17 abr 2025