Computational Characterisation Of The Modulation Of Membrane Proteins By Lipids

Experimental evidence has shown a close correlation between the composition and physical state of the membrane bilayer and glucose transport activity via the glucose transporter GLUT1. Cooling alters the physical state of the membrane from fluid to gel phase, and in parallel, a large decrease in net glucose transport rate is observed. How the physical state of the membrane alters glucose transport dynamics has been investigated using computational approaches. It is found that the protein is sensitive to the membrane phase and this in turn has implications on the glucose transport mechanism.