[Fusion of negatively-charged liposomes under the effect of peptides from the N-terminal fragment of the HIV-1 transmembrane protein]

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

[Fusion of negatively-charged liposomes under the effect of peptides from the N-terminal fragment of the HIV-1 transmembrane protein]

Biokhimiia. 1995 Oct;60(10):1711-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/96098219
Terletskaia IaT; Trikash IO; Serdiuk ES; Andreev SM

Abstract: The effect of a series of synthetic peptides mimicking the N-terminus of HIV transmembrane glycoprotein (gp41) on fusion of negatively charged liposomes consisting of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin at a 2:3:5 molar ratio, respectively, has been studied. Peptides P514 and P385 (residue 517-538), lysine and arginine at the C-terminus, respectively, with the amino acid sequence completely corresponding to the N-terminus of gp41 displayed the highest fusogenic activity. The extent of fusion was significantly increased at mild acidic pH (6.0). Acidification particularly influenced the fusogenic activity of P514. Modification of the N- and C-termini of fusion-active peptides by proteins and synthetic polymers blocked the fusion activity. The fusogenic properties of peptides depended on the chain length: P411 consisting of nine hydrophobic amino acid residues had no fusogenic activity, while P415, an 11-member peptide, effectively fused liposomes. The fluorescent probe ANS was used to monitor the hydrophobicity of these peptides. The hydrophobicity of P514 increased appreciably with a change in pH from 6.0 to 7.5. Peptides P514 and P385 induced the leakage of the aqueous contents from liposomes at neutral pH and caused a small, but detectable leakage at acidic pH. Structural and molecular factors influencing the peptide-induced liposome fusion are discussed.

Keywords: Amino Acid Sequence English Abstract Hydrogen-Ion Concentration HIV Envelope Protein gp41/*CHEMISTRY HIV-1/*CHEMISTRY *Liposomes Molecular Sequence Data Peptide Fragments/*CHEMISTRY JOURNAL ARTICLE
960530
M9651060

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1996. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1996. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .