The underlying mechanical properties of membranes tune their ability to fuse.

ABSTRACT: Membrane fusion is a ubiquitous process associated with a multitude of biological events. Although it has long been appreciated that membrane mechanics plays an important role in membrane fusion, the molecular interplay between mechanics and fusion has remained elusive. For example, although different lipids modulate membrane mechanics differently, depending on their composition, molar ratio, and complex interactions, differing lipid compositions may lead to similar mechanical properties. This raises the question of whether (i) the specific lipid composition or (ii) the average mesoscale mechanics of membranes acts as the determining factor for cellular function. Furthermore, little is known about the potential consequences of fusion on membrane disruption. Here, we use a combination of co

SUBMITTER: Lira RB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10716014 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature