title: Multiple stalk formation as a pathway of defect-induced membrane fusion.
abstract: We propose that the first stage of membrane fusion need not be the formation of a single stalk. Instead, we consider a scenario for defect-induced membrane fusion that proceeds cooperatively via multiple stalk formation. The defects (stalks or pores) attract each other via membrane-mediated capillary interactions that result in a condensation transition of the defects. The resulting dense phase of stalks corresponds to the so-called fusion intermediate.
authors.affiliation: FOM Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics, Kruislaan 407, 1098 SJ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. lukatsky@amolf.nl
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Lukatsky
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Frenkel
mesh_terms: D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008560:Membrane Fluidity / Q000502:physiology; D008561:Membrane Fusion / Q000502:physiology*; D008871:Microvilli / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D008956:Models, Chemical; D044367:Phase Transition; D016062:Porosity
chemical_list: D008051:Lipid Bilayers