How proteins produce cellular membrane curvature

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2006 Jan;7(1):9-19. doi: 10.1038/nrm1784.

Abstract

Biological membranes exhibit various function-related shapes, and the mechanism by which these shapes are created is largely unclear. Here, we classify possible curvature-generating mechanisms that are provided by lipids that constitute the membrane bilayer and by proteins that interact with, or are embedded in, the membrane. We describe membrane elastic properties in order to formulate the structural and energetic requirements of proteins and lipids that would enable them to work together to generate the membrane shapes seen during intracellular trafficking.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry*
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure*
  • Cell Shape
  • Membrane Lipids / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Membrane Lipids
  • Membrane Proteins