Artificial Spectrin Shells Reconstituted on Giant Vesicles.
In the experimental approach to a synthetic minimal cell, the membrane compartment is a main component. Lipid vesicles represent the natural host for the artificial reconstruction of a cytomimetic membrane skeleton able to support mechanical function. Using the membrane component of human erythroid cells, we have reconstructed a membrane shell composed of a spectrin skeleton and fed by ATP. The structural and mechanical analysis reveals this spectrin skeleton as topological network supporting mechanical rigidity. Such an artificial shell would define a membrane compartment mechanically stable under physiological conditions.
Mechanics of Biological Systems and Department of Physical Chemistry I, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Iván
I
López-Montero
Mechanics of Biological Systems and Department of Physical Chemistry I, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Ruddi
R
Rodríguez-García
Mechanics of Biological Systems and Department of Physical Chemistry I, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Francisco
F
Monroy
cytoskeleton; giant vesicle; membrane mechanics; rigid shell