Attachment of rod-like (BAR) proteins and membrane shape

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2011 Apr;11(4):272-82. doi: 10.2174/138955711795305353.

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that cellular function depends on rod-like membrane proteins, among them Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) proteins may curve the membrane leading to physiologically important membrane invaginations and membrane protrusions. The membrane shaping induced by BAR proteins has a major role in various biological processes such as cell motility and cell growth. Different models of binding of BAR domains to the lipid bilayer are described. The binding includes hydrophobic insertion loops and electrostatic interactions between basic amino acids at the concave region of the BAR domain and negatively charged lipids. To shed light on the elusive binding dynamics, a novel experiment is proposed to expand the technique of single-molecule AFM for the traction of binding energy of a single BAR domain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / chemistry
  • Cell Surface Extensions / chemistry
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • amphiphysin