Membrane curvature modulation of protein activity determined by NMR

•Membrane curvature modulates membrane properties.•NMR can be used to monitor membrane curvature.•Protein insertion into membranes affects membrane curvature.•Many membrane enzymes are sensitive to curvature properties.

In addition to specific intermolecular interactions, biological processes at membranes are also modulated by the physical properties of the membrane. One of these properties is membrane curvature. NMR methods are useful for studying how membrane curvature affects the binding and insertion of proteins into membranes as well as how proteins can affect membrane curvature properties. In many cases these interactions result in a marked change in protein activity. We have reviewed examples from a range of systems having varied mechanisms by which membrane curvature is linked to protein activity. Among the examples discussed are antimicrobial peptides, proteins affecting membrane fusion, rhodopsin, protein kinase C, phospholipase C-delta1, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-related kinases and tafazzin. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: NMR Spectroscopy for Atomistic Views of Biomembranes and Cell Surfaces. Guest Editors: Lynette Cegelski and David P. Weliky.

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