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Molecular Structure of Sphingomyelin (SM) Bilayers

November 12, 2020

Lipid area constrained MD simulations provided SAXS and SANS form-factors and NMR lineshapes in agreement with experiments. In contrast, unconstrained MD simulations provided poor agreement.

Scientific Achievement

The molecular structure of SM bilayers was determined, providing a quantitative measure of the area per lipid.

Significance and Impact

The results enable an accurate refinement of the force fields used in simulations that are crucial for the study of membrane systems in general.

Research Details

  • The structures of SM bilayers were  measured by small angle scattering of X-rays (SAXS) and neutrons (SANS), with SANS providing the crucial multiple contrast data sets  needed to refine the relevant parameters. 
  • The data was analyzed using a novel scattering density profile method. 
  • The SMs were also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electron spin resonance. 
  • Bilayers were further analyzed with unconstrained and area-constrained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

Related Publication: Doktorova, M. et. al. (2020). Molecular Structure of Sphingomyelin in Fluid Phase Bilayers Determined by the Joint Analysis of Small-Angle Neutron and X-ray Scattering Data. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 124, 5186-5200. doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c03389

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