Multibudded tubules formed by COPII on artificial liposomes

Sci Rep. 2011:1:17. doi: 10.1038/srep00017. Epub 2011 Jun 17.

Abstract

COPII-coated vesicles form at the endoplasmic reticulum for cargo transport to the Golgi apparatus. We used in vitro reconstitution to examine the roles of the COPII scaffold in remodeling the shape of a lipid bilayer. Giant Unilamellar Vesicles were examined using fast confocal fluorescence and cryo-electron microscopy in order to avoid separation steps and minimize mechanical manipulation. COPII showed a preference for high curvature structures, but also sufficient flexibility for binding to low curvatures. The COPII proteins induced beads-on-a-string-like constricted tubules, similar to those previously observed in cells. We speculate about a mechanical pathway for vesicle fission from these multibudded COPII-coated tubules, considering the possibility that withdrawal of the Sar1 amphipathic helix upon GTP hydrolysis leads to lipid bilayer destabilization resulting in fission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
  • COP-Coated Vesicles / chemistry*
  • COP-Coated Vesicles / ultrastructure*
  • Cell Surface Extensions / chemistry*
  • Cell Surface Extensions / ultrastructure*
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Liposomes / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Membrane Fluidity*

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Liposomes