Proton Leakage Is Sensed by IM30 and Activates IM30-Triggered Membrane Fusion.

ABSTRACT: The inner membrane-associated protein of 30 kDa (IM30) is crucial for the development and maintenance of the thylakoid membrane system in chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. While its exact physiological function still is under debate, it has recently been suggested that IM30 has (at least) a dual function, and the protein is involved in stabilization of the thylakoid membrane as well as in Mg²⁺-dependent membrane fusion. IM30 binds to negatively charged membrane lipids, preferentially at stressed membrane regions where protons potentially leak out from the thylakoid lumen into the chloroplast stroma or the cyanobacterial cytoplasm, respectively. Here we show in vitro that IM30 membrane binding, as well as membrane fusion, is strongly increased in acidic environments. This en

SUBMITTER: Siebenaller C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7350238 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature