Organic Nanoscrolls from Electrostatic Interactionsbetween Peptides and Lipids: Assembly Steps and Structure

An important aspect of cells is their shape flexibility that gives them motion but also a high adaptation versatility to their environment. This shape versatility is mediated by different types of protein–membrane interactions among which electrostatic plays an important role. In the present work we examined the interaction between a small dicationic peptide, that possesses self-assembly properties, and lipid model membranes. The peptide, lanreotide, spontaneously forms nanotubes in water that have a strictly uniform diameter. In the current work, we show that the interaction between the cationic peptide and negatively charged bilayers of lipids induces the formation of myelin sheath-like structures that we call nanoscrolls. By deciphering the different steps of formation and the molecular structure of the self-assembly, we show how electrostatics modify the spontaneous peptide and lipid way of packing.