A Step-by-step Method for the Reconstitution of an ABC Transporter into Nanodisc Lipid Particles

Summary

Nanodiscs are small discoid particles that incorporate membrane proteins into a small patch of phospholipid bilayer. We provide a visual protocol that shows the step-by-step incorporation of the MalFGK2 transporter into a disc.

Abstract

The nanodisc is a discoidal particle (~ 10-12 nm large) that trap membrane proteins into a small patch of phospholipid bilayer. The nanodisc is a particularly attractive option for studying membrane proteins, especially in the context of ligand-receptor interactions. The method pioneered by Sligar and colleagues is based on the amphipathic properties of an engineered highly a-helical scaffold protein derived from the apolipoprotein A1. The hydrophobic faces of the scaffold protein interact with the fatty acyl side-chains of the lipid bilayer whereas the polar regions face the aqueous environment. Analyses of membrane proteins in nanodiscs have significant advantages over liposome because the particles are small, homogeneous and water-soluble. In addition, biochemical and biophysical methods normally reserved to soluble proteins can be applied, and from either side of the membrane. In this visual protocol, we present a step-by-step reconstitution of a well characterized bacterial ABC transporter, the MalE-MalFGK₂ complex. The formation of the disc is a self-assembly process that depends on hydrophobic interactions taking place during the progressive removal of the detergent. We describe the essential steps and we highlight the importance of choosing a correct protein-to-lipid ratio in order to limit the formation of aggregates and larger polydisperse liposome-like particles. Simple quality controls such as gel filtration chromatography, native gel electrophoresis and dynamic light scattering spectroscopy ensure that the discs have been properly reconstituted.

Protocol

Overall Reconstitution Process

The reconstitution process starts by mixing the membrane scaffold protein (MSP) with the purified MalFGK₂ complex in the presence of detergent-solubilized phospholipids. The step is followed by the slow removal of the detergent by an adsorbent polystyrene material called Bio-Beads or Amberlite (Figure 1). The auto-assembly process occurs most likely because of the apolar interactions between the hydrophobic phospholipids, the MalFGK₂ complex and the surface of the MSP amphipathic protein. The final product is a discoid particle made of two molecules of MSP wrapping....

Discussion

We describe a simple procedure for the reconstitution of the maltose transporter into nanodiscs. The transporter is ATPase active and the interaction with the soluble binding partner MalE can be recreated (Figure 3). The successful reconstitution of the transporter into nanodiscs open the way for additional biophysical and biochemical analysis. Of particular interest will be the systematic analysis the MalK ATPase and maltose transport activity in detergent, liposome and nanodiscs. ABC transporters c.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Amicon Ultra-4 50K centrifugal filter	Millipore	UFC805008	Follow manufacturer's protocol for proper use
Bio-Beads SM-2 Adsorbent	Bio-Rad	152-3920
E. coli total lipids	Avanti Polar Lipids	100500C	Dissolved in chloroform, handle as appropriate for an organic solvent
Ni sepharose HP resin	GE Healthcare	17-5268-01
Phosphorous standard solution	Sigma-Aldrich	P3869
pMSP1D1	Addgene	20061
Superdex 200 HR 10/300	GE Healthcare	17-5172-01
Table I. Specific reagents.
Name Composition Comments DDM stock 10% w/v DDM Resuspend in milliQ water and store at -20 °C MalFGK2 stock 1-2 mg/ml 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH7.9 100 mM NaCl 10% v/v glycerol 0.03% w/v DDM Store at -70 °C after purification MSP stock 10-15 mg/ml 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH7.9 100 mM NaCl 10% v/v glycerol Store at -70 °C after purification in <1 ml aliquots and avoid excessive freeze/thaw cycles Phospholipid stock 5 nM E. coli total lipids 0.5% w/v (10 mM) DDM 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.9 50 mM NaCl Store at 4 °C for 1 week TS buffer 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.9 50 mM NaCl Store at 4 °C TSG10 buffer 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH7.9 100 mM NaCl 10% v/v glycerol Store at 4 °C TSG20 buffer 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH8 100 mM NaCl 20% v/v glycerol Store at 4 °C TSGD buffer 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH7.9 100 mM NaCl 10% v/v glycerol 0.03% w/v DDM Store at 4 °C and add DDM just before use Table II. Solution recipes.