NMR and CD studies have been used to analyze the model membrane-bound structure of the neuropeptide substance P (RPKPQQFFGLM-NH2, SP), which has previously been proposed as the NK1 receptor active form. Conformations were determined for the SP in the presence of aqueous solutions of zwitterionic dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) and anionic sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micelles. The two structures are similar, although fast exchange between free and bound forms was observed for SP with DPC micelles, and predominantly bound characteristics were found for SP in SDS. The addition of 150-200 mM NaCl had no observable effect on the bound conformation in either case. Thus, the structure of SP at a micelle surface is determined largely by hydrophobic forces, and the electrostatic interactions determine the amount of SP that is bound.

The neurotoxicity of beta-amyloid protein (beta AP) fragments may be a result of their solution conformation, which is very sensitive to solution conditions. In this work we describe NMR and CD studies of the conformation of beta AP(12-28) in lipid (micelle) environments as a function of pH and lipid type. The interaction of beta AP(12-28) with zwitterionic dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles is weak and alters the conformation when compared to water solution alone. By contrast, the interaction of the peptide with anionic sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micelles is strong: beta AP(12-28) is mostly bound, is alpha-helical from K16 to V24, and aggregates slowly. The pH-dependent conformation changes of beta AP(12-28) in solution occur in the pH range at which the side-chain groups of E22, D23, H13, and H14 are deprotonated (pKas ca. 4 and 6.5); the interaction of beta AP(12-28) with SDS micelles alters the pH-dependent conformational transitions of the peptide whereas the weak interaction with DPC micelles causes little change.

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