Synthesis and Evaluation of a Library of Alternating Amphipathic Copolymers to Solubilize and Study Membrane Proteins

Adrian H. Kopf, Odette Lijding, Barend O. W. Elenbaas, Martijn C. Koorengevel, Justyna M. Dobruchowska, Cornelis A. van Walree, J. Antoinette Killian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Amphipathic copolymers such as poly(styrene-maleic acid) (SMA) are promising tools for the facile extraction of membrane proteins (MPs) into native nanodiscs. Here, we designed and synthesized a library of well-defined alternating copolymers of SMA analogues in order to elucidate polymer properties that are important for MP solubilization and stability. MP extraction efficiency was determined using KcsA from E. coli membranes, and general solubilization efficiency was investigated via turbidimetry experiments on membranes of E. coli, yeast mitochondria, and synthetic lipids. Remarkably, halogenation of SMA copolymers dramatically improved solubilization efficiency in all systems, while substituents on the copolymer backbone improved resistance to Ca2+. Relevant polymer properties were found to include hydrophobic balance, size and positioning of substituents, rigidity, and electronic effects. The library thus contributes to the rational design of copolymers for the study of MPs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)743-759
Number of pages17
JournalBiomacromolecules
Volume23
Issue number3
Early online date7 Jan 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Mar 2022

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