Researchers have developed a novel single-protein analysis technique to study scramblases, proteins that rearrange lipids in cell membranes. - The technique measures activity rates of individual scramblase proteins, overcoming limitations of bulk analysis.
- VDAC1 dimers show scrambling rates from under 100 to over 1,000 lipids per second, confirming computer simulations. - Opsin scrambles lipids at rates exceeding 10,000 per second, demonstrating the method's versatility.
- The platform can be used to study effects of lipid composition and drugs on scramblase function. This breakthrough provides unprecedented insights into scramblase dynamics and opens new avenues for biomedical research.