Differential Diffusional Properties in Loose and Tight Docking Prior to Membrane Fusion.

ABSTRACT: Fusion of biological membranes, although mediated by divergent proteins, is believed to follow a common pathway. It proceeds through distinct steps, including docking, merger of proximal leaflets (stalk formation), and formation of a fusion pore. However, the structure of these intermediates is difficult to study because of their short lifetime. Previously, we observed a loosely and tightly docked state preceding leaflet merger using arresting point mutations in SNARE proteins, but the nature of these states remained elusive. Here, we used interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy to monitor diffusion of single vesicles across the surface of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). We observed that the diffusion coefficients of arrested vesicles decreased during progression through the inter

SUBMITTER: Witkowska A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7822739 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature