Solid state NMR investigation of the interaction between biomimetic lipid bilayers and de novo designed fusogenic peptides

(Figure Presented) Learning curve. We have studied the interaction of two de novo designed hydrophobic peptides with a biomimetic three-lipid mixture and pure POPC bilayer by using ³¹P solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The observed peptide-induced phase changes correlated with the fusogenic behaviour of the peptides in liposomes. The peptides induced pronounced stabilization of curvature at low humidity (see figure). We propose that this stabilization might be a prerequisite for the fusogenic behaviour of the peptides.