Effect of Matrix on Surface Pressure-Responsive Morphological Change of Ganglioside G_M1 (GM1), Related to the Individual Role of GM1 in Each Organ?

Abstract

The surface states of ganglioside G_M1 (GM1) / dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), GM1/dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) and GM1/DPPC/DOPC monolayers were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the effect of surface pressure on the surface states of the membranes was examined. Specific changes in morphology were observed in the GM1/DPPC and GM1/DPPC/DOPC monolayers when the surface pressure was varied from 30 to 40 mN m^-1, while no significant morphological change was detected in the GM1/DOPC monolayer. GM1 was likely to bring about a change in morphology in the liquid-condensed film but not the liquid-expanded film. Nevertheless, the changes to monolayers with surface pressure support the participation of GM1 in signal transduction or specific cell recognition. Furthermore, the surface pressure-responsive change in morphology of GM1 was affected by the matrix, suggesting that the GM1 localized to each organ has a specific role.