Molecular Mechanisms of Membrane Curvature Sensing by a Disordered Protein.

ABSTRACT: The ability of proteins to sense membrane curvature is essential for the initiation and assembly of curved membrane structures. Established mechanisms of curvature sensing rely on proteins with specific structural features. In contrast, it has recently been discovered that intrinsically disordered proteins, which lack a defined three-dimensional fold, can also be potent sensors of membrane curvature. How can an unstructured protein sense the structure of the membrane surface? Many disordered proteins that associate with membranes have two key physical features: a high degree of conformational entropy and a high net negative charge. Binding of such proteins to membrane surfaces results simultaneously in a decrease in conformational entropy and an increase in electrostatic repulsion by anion

SUBMITTER: Zeno WF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6610580 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature