The fusion pore and mechanisms of biological membrane fusion.
Membrane fusion occurs as part of processes as different as synaptic neurotransmitter transmission and infection with influenza virus. Recent evidence paints a picture in which the organization of proteins into a macromolecular scaffold brings the two fusing membranes together and induces hemifusion, that is, the fusion of the apposing leaflets of the two membranes to form a common bilayer. A small dynamic fusion pore forms in the common bilayer and usually expands to allow complete membrane merging. The mechanisms of fusion appear to be remarkably similar in exocytosis and virus-induced fusion. During exocytotic fusion, there is an additional twist to the mechanism, as sometimes the fusion pores close after release of small non-quantal amounts of secretory products.
Monck
J R
JR
Department of Physiology, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, 90024, USA. jrmonck@physiology.medsch.ucla.edu
Fernandez
J M
JM
D002459:Cell Fusion / Q000502:physiology; D005089:Exocytosis / Q000502:physiology; D008561:Membrane Fusion / Q000502:physiology*; D008566:Membranes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008954:Models, Biological; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D014760:Viral Fusion Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D014760:Viral Fusion Proteins; D012701:Serotonin