Single molecule studies of surface-induced secondary structure in a model peptide

摘要

We have proposed using single molecule fluorescence resonant energy transfer (SM-FRET) to investigate the induction of secondary structure in model, surface-active peptides upon binding at an interface. The ability for SM-FRET to distinguish structural heterogeneity will offer a distinct advantage over traditional biophysical methods in these types of studies. Ensemble methods mask heterogeneity and only provide an average measure of secondary structural features. Because secondary structure contributes greatly to the energetics of dehydrating the amide backbone, detailed information of conformational distributions is crucial to the understanding of the thermodynamic cycle involved. Here we present results from our first efforts at using SM-FRET to study an amphipathic α-helix forming peptide immobilized at the solid-liquid interface between an aqueous solution and an octadecylsilane modified glass surface. This system serves as a model for future studies of peptide partitioning to lipid bilayers and other relevant interfaces.