Abstract

It is well established that the plasma membrane exhibits an asymmetric distribution of lipids between the inner and outer leaflets of the lipid bilayer. Recent studies suggest that the asymmetric distribution changes locally and temporarily, accompanied by cellular events. However, available methods to detect lipid asymmetry lack spatio-temporal resolution. As a technique of potential use for real-time imaging of lipid asymmetry, we a novel method that utilizes fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between NBD-labeled phospholipids (donor) and extracellular rhodamine (acceptor). When cell apoptosis was induced by staurosporine, the fluorescence intensity of NBD-labeled phosphatidylserine decreased owing to FRET from NBD to rhodamine. This method provides a simple way to detect lipid asymmetry and may be useful for observing dynamic changes in asymmetric distribution of lipids.

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Publisher Full Text

Authors

Nishimura Y, Tadokoro S, Tanaka M, Hirashima N

Institution

Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1, Tanabe-dori, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan.

Source

Biochemical and biophysical research communications 420:4 2012 Apr 20 pg 926-30

MeSH

4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan
Animals
Apoptosis
CHO Cells
Cricetinae
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Phosphatidylcholines
Phosphatidylserines
Phospholipids
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor
Staurosporine

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22475486