Molecular mechanisms of calcium-induced membrane fusion.
We have reviewed studies on calcium-induced fusion of lipid bilayer membranes and the role of synexin and other calcium-binding proteins (annexins) in membrane fusion. We have also discussed the roles of other cations, lipid phase transitions, long chain fatty acids and other fusogenic molecules. Finally, we have presented a simple molecular model for the mechanism of lipid membrane fusion, consistent with the experimental evidence and incorporating various elements proposed previously.
Papahadjopoulos
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Cancer Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0128.
Nir
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Düzgünes
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D000818:Animals; D017310:Annexin A7; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes; D008561:Membrane Fusion / Q000502:physiology*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011506:Proteins / Q000502:physiology
D017310:Annexin A7; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D008081:Liposomes; D011506:Proteins; D002118:Calcium