Effects of Dymethyl Sulfoxide in Cholesterol-Containing Lipid Membranes: A Comparative Study of Exeriments In Silico and with Cells.
Effects of Dymethyl Sulfoxide in Cholesterol-Containing Lipid Membranes: A Comparative Study of Exeriments In Silico and with Cells
M-A. de Ménorval, LL.M. Mir, M.L. Fernández, R. Reigada.
PLoS One, 7 (2012) e41733.
We use Molecular Dynamics simulations and in vivo experiments to study the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in lipid membranes. Three modes of action of DMSO are identified in both numerical simulations and experimental observations. At low concentrations, membrane fluctuations are promoted, at moderate concentrations, stable membrane pores are formed, and at large concentrations, membrane collapses. Simulations have unveiled the molecular mechanisms of these three mdoes of action, and experiments have confirmed their existence in cellular systems. The relevance of this work is related to the importance of pore formation in the electroporation techniques used in electrochemotherapy treatments. The experiments have been conducted by the research group of Dr. Mir, pioneer in electrochemotherapies, and our results open new possibilities to use DMSO that could improve these treatments.