Effect of red blood cell shape changes on haemoglobin interactions and dynamics: a neutron scattering study

Royal Society Open Science, vol. 7, pp. 201507

Abstract

By using a combination of experimental neutron scattering techniques, it is possible to obtain a statistical perspective on red blood cell (RBC) shape in suspensions, and the inter-relationship with protein interactions and dynamics inside the confinement of the cell membrane. In this study, we examined the ultrastructure of RBC and protein–protein interactions of haemoglobin (Hb) in them using ultra-small-angle neutron scattering and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). In addition, we used the neutron backscattering method to access Hb motion on the ns time scale and Å length scale. Quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) experiments were performed to measure diffusive motion of Hb in RBCs and in an RBC lysate. By using QENS, we probed both internal Hb dynamics and global protein diffusion, on the accessible time scale and length scale by QENS. Shape changes of RBCs and variation of intracellular Hb concentration were induced by addition of the Na + -selective ionophore monensin and the K + -selective one, valinomycin. The experimental SANS and QENS results are discussed within the framework of crowded protein solutions, where free motion of Hb is obstructed by mutual interactions.

Authors 8

1. Keyun Shou Aachen Institute of Physical Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University · Forschungszentrum Jülich · Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

   Affiliation as printed

   Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, New South Wales 2234, Australia

   Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany

   Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-1) and Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-8: Neutron Scattering and Biological Matter), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany

2. Mona Sarter Aachen I. Physikalisches Institut

   RWTH Aachen University · Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   I. Physikalisches Institut (IA), AG Biophysik, RWTH Aachen, Sommerfeldstrasse 14, 52074 Aachen, Germany

   Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-1) and Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-8: Neutron Scattering and Biological Matter), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany

3. Nicolas R. de Souza

   Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

   Affiliation as printed

   Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, New South Wales 2234, Australia

4. Liliana de Campo

   Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

   Affiliation as printed

   Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, New South Wales 2234, Australia

5. Andrew E. Whitten

   Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

   Affiliation as printed

   Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, New South Wales 2234, Australia

6. Philip W. Kuchel

   The University of Sydney

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

7. Christopher J. Garvey corresponding

   Lund University · Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation · Malmö University

   Affiliation as printed

   Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, New South Wales 2234, Australia

   Biofilm—Research Center for Biointerfaces and Biomedical Science Department, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden

   Lund Institute for Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science, Lund, Sweden

8. Andreas Maximilian Stadler corresponding Aachen Institute of Physical Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University · Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany

   Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-1) and Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-8: Neutron Scattering and Biological Matter), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany