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Mechanisms of membrane fusion: disparate players and common principles.

Authors :
Martens S
McMahon HT
Source :
Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology [Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol] 2008 Jul; Vol. 9 (7), pp. 543-56. Date of Electronic Publication: 2008 May 21.
Publication Year :
2008

Abstract

Membrane fusion can occur between cells, between different intracellular compartments, between intracellular compartments and the plasma membrane and between lipid-bound structures such as viral particles and cellular membranes. In order for membranes to fuse they must first be brought together. The more highly curved a membrane is, the more fusogenic it becomes. We discuss how proteins, including SNAREs, synaptotagmins and viral fusion proteins, might mediate close membrane apposition and induction of membrane curvature to drive diverse fusion processes. We also highlight common principles that can be derived from the analysis of the role of these proteins.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1471-0080
Volume :
9
Issue :
7
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
18496517
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/nrm2417