Sphingosine-1-Phosphate (S1P) is a sphingolipid metabolite that acts as signaling messengers; it plays important roles in stress responses, inflammatory disorders and growth mechanisms. S1P contains an amine and a phosphate group, which have been shown to interact with Irving-Williams series metals such as Cu2+. Copper, the third most abundant transition metal in the body, is necessary for the function of many cellular enzymes. However, at elevated concentrations it is toxic and may participate in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular damage. To investigate copper ion-lipid interactions, we have employed a microfluidic platform/fluorescence microscopy assay that works by quenching of a fluorophore. Previously, this assay was used to demonstrated Cu2+:1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (POPS) interactions. It is found here that S1P binding to Cu2+ is both density and pH dependent. Due to its potential toxicity, copper homeostasis is carefully regulated. Formation of metallomembranes may play a role in neurodegenerative disorders that are plagued by Cu2+ dishomeostasis such as Alzheimer’s disease or Autism.

Studies of the interactions between Cu2+ and sphingosine-1-phosphate

254th National Meeting (2017)

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