Influence of Membrane Asymmetry on OmpF Insertion, Orientation and Function

Abstract

The effect of asymmetric membranes containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on the outer membrane protein F (OmpF) reconstitution, channel orientation, and antibiotic permeation across the outer membrane was investigated. After forming an asymmetric planar lipid bilayer composed of LPS on one and phospholipids on the other side, the membrane channel OmpF was added. The ion current recordings demonstrate that LPS has a strong influence on the OmpF membrane insertion, orientation, and gating. Enrofloxacin was used as an example of an antibiotic interacting with the asymmetric membrane and with OmpF. The enrofloxacin caused the blockage of the ion current through the OmpF, depending on the side of addition, the transmembrane voltage applied, and the composition of the buffer. Furthermore, the enrofloxacin changed the phase behavior of the LPS-containing membranes, demonstrating that its membrane activity influences the function of OmpF and potentially the membrane permeability.