Simulations of membrane tubulation by lattices of amphiphysin N-BAR domains.
Membrane compartments of manifold shapes are found in cells, often sculpted by cellular proteins. In particular, proteins of the BAR domain superfamily participate in membrane-sculpting processes in vivo and reshape also in vitro low-curvature membrane liposomes into high-curvature tubes and vesicles. Here we show by means of computer simulations totaling over 1 millisecond, how lattices involving parallel rows of amphiphysin N-BAR domains sculpt flat membranes into tubes. A highly detailed, dynamic picture of the 100-microsecond formation of membrane tubes by lattices of N-BAR domains is obtained. Lattice types inducing a wide range of membrane curvatures, with radii approximately 15-100 nm, are explored. The results suggest that multiple lattice types are viable for efficient membrane bending.
Yin
Ying
Y
Department of Physics and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 405 North Mathews, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Arkhipov
Anton
A
Schulten
Klaus
K
D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D022082:Cellular Structures / Q000378:metabolism*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000378:metabolism; D008081:Liposomes / Q000378:metabolism; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008081:Liposomes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D011506:Proteins; C075637:amphiphysin