This book focuses on the study of how the properties of nanodiscs, such as lipid composition and size, influence the function of the embedding integral membrane protein, bacteriorhodopsin. The author performed systematic studies to show that the lipid composition and the charge of the hydrophobic head and the structure of hydrophilic tails affect the photocycle pathway of bacteriorhodopsin, which is closely associated with its proton-pumping activity. Furthermore, the author demonstrated a highly efficient method for extracting membrane proteins directly from the biological membrane, preserving protein conformation, function and essential native lipids. This book demonstrates optimization and sample preparation, and presents practical methods of preparing membrane protein-embedded nanodisc samples for biophysical studies, which benefit structural and functional studies in the field of membrane protein characterization, both.

Nominated by National Taiwan University as an outstanding Ph.D. thesis Includes a detailed protocol for preparing nanodisc samples, as well as for systematic study and careful sample optimization Provides detailed insights into the effect of lipid composition on the function of an integral membrane protein by monitoring the photocycle kinetics initiated by pulsed illumination Introduces an efficient method for direct assembly of native nanodiscs from biological membranes with production yield suitable for biophysical characterization, which can preserve both protein conformation and lipid composition

Inhalt

Introduction.- Experimental Background.- Effect of Lipid Composition of Nanodisc.- Effect of Size of Nanodisc.- Native Membrane Nanodisc.- Conclusions and Outlook.- References.- Appendix.