As seen in this fluorescent image, protein binding to confined regions on lipid vesicle surfaces causes lipid tubules to form. This finding reveals a new mechanism of membrane bending that may help explain how cellular membranes take on curved morphologies. Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.
LIVERMORE, Calif. — A paper authored by Sandia National Laboratories researchers Jeanne Stachowiak, Carl Hayden and Darryl Sasaki is featured in the April 13 edition of PNAS, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The paper, “Steric confinement of proteins on lipid membranes can drive curvature and tubulation,” presents a new scientific understanding about the bending and curvatures of protein membranes. Its conclusions — including the possibility that certain confining structures can amplify membrane bending by concentrating the steric interactions between bound proteins — may be compelling to biochemists and materials scientists interested in disease prevention and the intricate workings of cells and how this knowledge can be applied to make better, more functional materials.
The work leading to the paper was funded in part by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, which supports fundamental research in the physical sciences, including research aimed at understanding, predicting and ultimately controlling matter and energy at the electronic, atomic and molecular levels in order to provide the foundations for new energy technologies and to support DOE missions in energy, environment and national security.
Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. With main facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and Livermore, Calif., Sandia has major R&D responsibilities in national security, energy and environmental technologies, and economic competitiveness.
Sandia media relations contact: Mike Janes, mejanes@sandia.gov (925) 294-2447