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Lipid composition influences the shape of human low density lipoprotein in vitreous ice

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Lipids

Abstract

Earlier cryo-electron microscopic studies have indicated that the normal low density lipoprotein (N-LDL) has a discoid shape when its core is in the liquid-crystalline state. In the present study, we investigated whether the shape of LDL depends on the physical state and/or the lipid composition of the lipoprotein core. Using a custom-built freezing device, we vitrified N-LDL samples from either above or below the phase-transition temperature of the core (42 and 24°C, respectively). Cryo-electron microscopy revealed no differences between these samples and indicated a discoid shape of the N-LDL particle. In contrast, TG-enriched LDL (T-LDL) did not have discoid features and appeared to be quasi-spherical in preparations that were vitrified from either 42 or 24°C. These results suggest that the shape of N-LDL is discoid, regardless of the physical state of its core, whereas T-LDL is more spherical. Aspects that may influence the shape of LDL are discussed.

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Abbreviations

apoB:

apolipoprotein B-100

cryo-EM:

cryo-electron microscopy

DSC:

differential scanning calorimetry

LDL:

low density lipoprotein

N-LDL:

normal low density lipoprotein

T-LDL:

triglyceride-rich low density lipoprotein

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virgnia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980614, 23298, Richmond, Virginia

    Andrea Coronado-Gray & Rik van Antwerpen

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  1. Andrea Coronado-Gray
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  2. Rik van Antwerpen
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Correspondence to Rik van Antwerpen.

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Coronado-Gray, A., van Antwerpen, R. Lipid composition influences the shape of human low density lipoprotein in vitreous ice. Lipids 40, 495–500 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-005-1409-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-005-1409-x

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