Dr. Andrey Gurtovenko "Modulating the Structure and Properties of Cell Membranes by Small Amphiphilic Molecules: Insight from Computer Modeling"
Recipient of the Bessel Research Award of the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation, Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, St.Petersburg, Russia
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When |
Feb 02, 2011 from 02:15 PM to 03:00 PM |
Where | “Hörsaal Makromolekulare Chemie”, Stefan-Meier-Str. 31, Freiburg |
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Abstract
Manipulating the structure and properties of cell membranes is an issue which is fundamental to numerous applications in the biosciences, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. To induce formation of transient structural defects in membranes, various factors such as external electric and mechanical forces, surfactants, antimicrobial peptides, and polyelectrolytes could be applied to the membrane. Here we employ atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulations to reveal a molecular level picture of how small amphiphilic molecules affect the structural and mechanical properties of phospholipid membranes. We demonstrate that specific modes of action of such molecules depend on both chemical structure and concentration of amphiphilic molecules. In particular, in a certain concentration range one can witness formation of water pores and micelle-like structural defects in lipid bilayers, a phenomenon which is highly relevant to trafficking across cell membranes.
A. A. Gurtovenko, J. Anwar, I. Vattulainen, Chemical Reviews 110, 6077-6103 (2010).