title: How synthetic membrane systems contribute to the understanding of lipid-driven endocytosis.
abstract: Synthetic membrane systems, such as giant unilamellar vesicles and solid supported lipid bilayers, have widened our understanding of biological processes occurring at or through membranes. Artificial systems are particularly suited to study the inherent properties of membranes with regard to their components and characteristics. This review critically reflects the emerging molecular mechanism of lipid-driven endocytosis and the impact of model membrane systems in elucidating the complex interplay of biomolecules within this process. Lipid receptor clustering induced by binding of several toxins, viruses and bacteria to the plasma membrane leads to local membrane bending and formation of tubular membrane invaginations. Here, lipid shape, and protein structure and valency are the essential parameters in membrane deformation. Combining observations of complex cellular processes and their reconstitution on minimal systems seems to be a promising future approach to resolve basic underlying mechanisms. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mechanobiology.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS - Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraβe 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany. Electronic address: thomas.schubert@biologie.uni-freiburg.de.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schubert
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS - Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraβe 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany. Electronic address: winfried.roemer@bioss.uni-freiburg.de.
authors.forename: Winfried
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Römer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D004705:Endocytosis; D006801:Humans; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial
chemical_list: D008563:Membrane Lipids; D008567:Membranes, Artificial
keywords: Lectin; Lipid clustering; Membrane invagination; Model membrane system; Pathogen; Shiga toxin