Electrostatic interactions drive molecular assembly and organization in the plasma
membrane. Specific protein-lipid interactions, however, are difficult to resolve. Here we
report on a unique approach to investigate these interactions with time-resolved
fluorescence spectroscopy. The experiments were performed on a model membrane system
consisting of a supported lipid bilayer with an asymmetric distribution of PIP 2 in the upper
leaflet of the bilayer. The bilayer also contained nickel-chelating lipids that bind to a histidine …