The impact of a simple α helical transmembrane peptide on lipid membrane dynamics
Transmembrane domains integrate proteins into cellular membranes and support their function. The capacity of these prevalently a-helical structures in mammals to influence membrane properties is poorly understood. Combining experiments with molecular dynamics simulations, we provide evidence that helical transmembrane peptides with their rough surface reduce lateral mobility of membrane constituents. The molecular mechanism involves trapping of lipid acyl chains on the rough surface and segregation of cholesterol from the vicinity of peptides. The observations are supported by our toy model indicating strong effect of rough objects on membrane dynamics. Herein described effect has implications for the organization and function of biological membranes, especially the plasma membrane with high cholesterol content.