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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 38: Membranes and Vesicles I

BP 38.1: Hauptvortrag

Mittwoch, 22. März 2017, 09:30–10:00, HÜL 386

Simulations move toward the understanding of protein-mediated membrane fusion — •Herre Jelger Risselada — Dept of Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany — Leibniz Inst. of Surface Modification, Leipzig, Germany

Membrane fusion is fundamental for the cycle of life. From the start (sperm fusion), into being (synaptic fusion and intra cellular fusion reactions), toward a possible end (viral infections). Over the last three decennia the process of membrane fusion has been intensively studied by experiments but also by theory. As a matter of fact, theory --at the time in the form of continuum elastic models-- has played a dominant role in envisioning the lipidic fusion reaction and its formed intermediates. These insights have lead to the popular stalk-pore hypothesis which still governs our view on membrane fusion up to today. The role of fusion proteins herein was initially confined to bringing the membranes into close apposition by exerting mechanical force to overcome the activation energy barrier. The subsequently formed transition states were considered to be exclusively lipidic. Recent molecular dynamics simulations have contributed to the emerging consensus that such simple and clear-cut separation between the role of the fusion proteins and that of the pure lipid membrane misses their close coupling, which turns out to be essential for a quantitative understanding of protein mediated membrane fusion. Here, I will highlight possible strategies which fusion proteins or involved helper proteins may evoke to overcome the free energy barriers of membrane fusion up to the final opening of the fusion pore.