Liposomes possess drastic capabilities for topological transformation.
Morphological and topological changes of biological membranes play essential roles in cellular activities. It has been thought that these transformations are made possible through interactions with proteins. However, direct observation of giant liposomes by optical dark-field microscopy reveals that the lipid bilayer itself possesses the ability to undergo topological transformation.
Takiguchi
Kingo
K
Department of Molecular Biology, School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan. j46037a@nucc.cc.nagoya-u.ac.jp
Nomura
Fumimasa
F
Inaba
Takehiko
T
Takeda
Shuichi
S
Saitoh
Akihiko
A
Hotani
Hirokazu
H
D000818:Animals; D048429:Cell Size / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry; D008561:Membrane Fusion; D018715:Microscopy, Video; D008954:Models, Biological; D010539:Permeability; D011506:Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology
D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008081:Liposomes; D011506:Proteins