Lipid bilayer stability in membranes. Regulation of lipid composition in Acholeplasma laidlawii as governed by molecular shape.

The polar lipid composition in membranes of Acholeplasma laidlawii is extensively regulated as a response to environmental changes. In particular, the ratio between the dominating lipids monoglucosyldiglyceride and diglucosyldiglyceride is altered depending on temperature, configuration of incorporated fatty acids, and membrane cholesterol content. Synthesis of monoglucosyldiglyceride is stimulated by low temperature and saturated fatty acids but diminished by the presence of cholesterol. These factors are likely to affect the molecular geometry of the membrane lipids. Monoglucosyldiglyceride and diglucosyldiglyceride have wedge- and rodlike molecular shapes, respectively, that are modifiable to a certain extent. The packing constraints of lipids in amphilphilic aggregates, i.e., hydrocarbon-water interfacial area, hydrocarbon chain volume, and hydrocarbon chain length, are very important in determining the aggregate structure [Israelachvili, J. N. Mitchell, D. J., & Ninham, B. W. (1976) J. Chem. Soc., Faraday Trans. 272, 1525]. Pure monoglucosyldiglyceride forms a reversed hexagonal (HII) phase structure with different fatty acid contents, while diglucosyldiglyceride forms a lamellar phase. However, the only lipid structure compatible with a functional biological membrane is the lamellar phase. Consequently, the balance between lipids forming lamellar and other mesophase structures must keep within certain limits. Here we show that the response in A. liaidlawii lipid metabolism following external and internal stimuli can be predicted on the basis of molecular shapes and is necessary for the cell in order to maintain optimal membrane stability. Furthermore, the reduced capacity of Acholeplasma membranes to incorporate cholesterol is another consequence of this regulation, aiming at preservation of bilayer stability.