Transmembrane vs. non-transmembrane hydrophobic helix topography in model and natural membranes.

Experimental studies have begun to define how formation of transmembrane (TM) vs. non-TM hydrophobic helix topographies is controlled. It has been found that topography is very sensitive to sequence and lipid structure. Interestingly, there is a broad agreement between studies using artificial model membranes and natural membranes. These studies provide important insights into membrane protein insertion and function.