A simple supported tubulated bilayer system for evaluating protein-mediated membrane remodeling.

ABSTRACT: Fusion and fission of cellular membranes involve dramatic, protein-mediated changes in membrane curvature. Many of the experimental methods useful for investigating curvature sensing or generation require specialized equipment. We have developed a system based on supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) in which lipid tubules are simple to produce and several types of membrane remodeling events can be readily imaged using widely available instrumentation (e.g., tubule fission and/or membrane budding). Briefly, high ionic strength during lipid bilayer deposition results in incorporation of excess lipids in the SLB. After sequentially washing with water and physiological ionic strength buffer solutions, lipid tubules form spontaneously. We find that tubule formation results from solution-dependent sp

SUBMITTER: Schenk NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6103888 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature