Dresden 2009 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 25: Membranes

BP 25.5: Talk

Friday, March 27, 2009, 11:30–11:45, HÜL 186

A simulation study of protein-mediated membrane deformations — •Diana Morozova and Matthias Weiss — German Cancer Research Center, Cellular Biophysics Group (BIOMS), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg

Biomembranes assume a variety of function-related shapes, e.g. spherical buds, membrane necks, or tubular protrusions. In virtually all cases membrane proteins are responsible for inducing these shapes. Using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD), a coarse-grained membrane simulation method, we have studied the influence of cone-shaped transmembrane proteins on the shape of a tensionless membrane and the associated membrane-mediated (i.e. bending-induced) interactions between the proteins. We find a clustering of proteins at high densities that is accompanied by a bud formation. The observed clustering not only depends on the protein density but also on the cone angle of the inclusions and the hydrophobic mismatch between the protein's transmembrane portion and the core of the bilayer.