Many membrane proteins, including G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are susceptible to denaturation when extracted from their native membrane by detergents. Therefore, alternative methods have been Show more
Many membrane proteins, including G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are susceptible to denaturation when extracted from their native membrane by detergents. Therefore, alternative methods have been developed, including amphiphilic copolymers that enable the direct extraction of functional membrane proteins along with their surrounding lipids. Among these amphiphilic copolymers, styrene/maleic acid (SMA) and diisobutylene/maleic acid (DIBMA) polymers have been extensively studied. Despite their many benefits, SMA and DIBMA polymers also have considerable drawbacks limiting their applications. Herein, we describe a series of new amphiphilic copolymers derived from DIBMA via partial amidation of the carboxylate pendant groups with various biocompatible amines. We characterize the new polymer's nanodisc-forming properties and ability to extract the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC Show less