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PMID: 2193827 Published · ppublish English Journal Article Review

Membrane fusion.

Experientia ·Vol. 46 ·No. 6 ·1990-06-15 ·Pages 631-44

Burger KN, Verkleij AJ

Abstract

The factors involved in the regulation of biological membrane fusion and models proposed for the molecular mechanism of biomembrane fusion are reviewed. The results obtained in model systems are critically discussed in the light of the known properties of biomembranes and characteristics of biomembrane fusion. Biological membrane fusion is a local-point event; extremely fast, non-leaky, and under strict control. Fusion follows on a local and most probably protein-modulated destabilization, and a transition of the interacting membranes from a bilayer to a non-bilayer lipid structure. The potential role of type II non-bilayer preferring lipids and of proteins in the local destabilization of the membranes is evaluated. Proteins are not only responsible for the mutual recognition of the fusion partners, but are most likely also to be involved in the initiation of biomembrane fusion, by locally producing or activating fusogens, or by acting as fusogens.

MeSH Terms
Cell Membrane/physiology,ultrastructure Lipid Bilayers/metabolism Membrane Fusion Models, Biological
Chemicals
Lipid Bilayers
Authors & Affiliations
2 authors, click to expand affiliations / ORCID
Burger K N
Institute of Molecular Biology and Medical Biotechnology, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Verkleij A J
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Article Info
Journal
Experientia
Abbr.
Experientia
ISSN
0014-4754
DOI
10.1007/BF01939702
Published
1990-06-15
Pages
631-44
Language
English
Region
Switzerland
NLM ID
0376547
Subset
IM
External Links
PubMed source DOI: 10.1007/BF01939702
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