Thermodynamic Insights into pH-Low Insertion Peptide: Enthalpic Contributions to Folding, Insertion, and Unfolding Mechanisms

This study investigates the enthalpic contributions associated with the folding and insertion dynamics of pH-low insertion peptide (pHLIP) into lipid membranes. By utilizing a combination of techniques,this study describe the thermodynamic landscape governing both the insertion process and subsequent unfolding/exit mechanisms. It is found that enthalpic changes play a crucial role in stabilizing the folded conformation of pHLIP upon membrane interaction. These insights enhance our understanding of peptide-membrane interactions and have implications for the design of peptide-based therapeutics targeting membrane proteins.