Figure 4. Methods to study MP-lipid interactions.
(a) Nanodiscs supported via amphiphilic protein or polymer scaffolds provide a native-like membrane environment for MPs. (b) Photoactivatable crosslinks can be introduced into lipid acyl chains, facilitating identification of protein-lipid interactions in situ. (c) FRET between fluorescently labeled lipids and proteins can report on interaction potentials. (d) Mass spectrometry of undigested proteins extracted from cells can reveal exact molecular identities and stoichiometries of bound lipids.