Peptides in lipid bilayers: the power of simple models

Interactions between proteins and lipids lie at the heart of virtually all membrane processes, but on a molecular level they are still poorly understood. Nowadays, simple model systems comprising designed transmembrane peptides in synthetic lipid bilayers are increasingly being recognized as powerful tools to uncover basic principles of protein–lipid interactions. Such model systems enable detailed analysis of how the properties of lipids influence the structure and dynamics of transmembrane helices, how these helices are anchored at the lipid–water interface, and how the length and composition of transmembrane segments influence the organization and dynamics of membrane lipids. In addition, well-characterized model systems have proven useful to refine computational approaches and to develop new techniques for studies of protein–lipid interactions.