title: Intermediary structures during membrane fusion as observed by cryo-electron microscopy.
abstract: Lipidic phases, containing 'lipidic particles' (dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine/cholesterol/dioleoylphosphatidylcho lin e and cardiolipin/dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine in the presence of Ca2+) have been investigated by preparing thin films from a suspension of sonicated vesicles. These thin films were vitrified and observed 'directly' by cryo-electron microscopy in their hydrated form. The thin films show various fusion products and fusion intermediates such as lipidic particles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Frederik
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Stuart
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Verkleij
mesh_terms: D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology; D002308:Cardiolipins; D002784:Cholesterol; D004134:Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine; D005615:Freezing; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008081:Liposomes; D008561:Membrane Fusion; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines; D010743:Phospholipids; D013010:Sonication
chemical_list: D002308:Cardiolipins; D008081:Liposomes; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines; D010743:Phospholipids; C020888:1,2-dielaidoylphosphatidylethanolamine; D002784:Cholesterol; C017251:1,2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine; D002118:Calcium; D004134:Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine