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Research from University of Illinois provide new insights into structures
2009 AUG 18 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to a study from the United States, "Membrane compartments of manifold shapes are found in cells, often sculpted by cellular proteins. In particular, proteins of the BAR domain superfamily participate in membrane-sculpting processes in vivo and reshape also in vitro low-curvature membrane liposomes into high-curvature tubes and vesicles." "Here we show by means of computer simulations totaling over 1 millisecond, how lattices involving parallel rows of amphiphysin N-BAR domains sculpt flat membranes into tubes. A highly detailed, dynamic picture of the 100-microsecond formation of membrane tubes by lattices of N-BAR domains is obtained. Lattice types inducing a wide range of membrane curvatures, with radii approximately 15-100 nm, are explored," wrote Y. Yin and colleagues, University of Illinois. The researchers concluded: "The results suggest that multiple lattice types are viable for efficient membrane bending.." Yin and colleagues published the results of their research in Structure (Simulations of Membrane Tubulation by Lattices of Amphiphysin N-BAR Domains. Structure, 2009;17(6):882-892). For additional information, contact K. Schulten, University of Illinois, Dept. of Physics, 405 N Mathews, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. The publisher of the journal Structure can be contacted at: Cell Press, 600 Technology Square, 5TH Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Keywords: United States, Urbana, Life Sciences, Structure, University of Illinois. This article was prepared by Science Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Science Letter via NewsRx.com.
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