Mechanics of membrane fusion

Sensing membrane stresses by protein insertions

Protein domains shallowly inserting into the membrane matrix are ubiquitous in peripheral membrane proteins involved in various processes of intracellular membrane shaping and remodeling. It has been suggested that these domains sense membrane curvature through their preferable binding to strongly curved membranes, the binding mechanism being mediated by lipid packing defects. Here we make an alternative statement that shallow protein insertions are universal sensors of the intra-membrane stresses existing in the region of the insertion embedding rather than sensors of the curvature per se. We substantiate this proposal computationally by considering different independent ways of the membrane stress generation among which some include changes of the membrane curvature whereas others do not alter the membrane shape. Our computations show that the membrane-binding coefficient of shallow protein insertions is determined by the resultant stress independently of the way this stress has been produced. By contrast, consideration of the correlation between the insertion binding and the membrane curvature demonstrates that the binding coefficient either increases or decreases with curvature depending on the factors leading to the curvature generation. To validate our computational model, we treat quantitatively the experimental results on membrane binding by ALPS1 and ALPS2 motifs of ArfGAP1.

Lysophosphatidylcholine reversibly arrests pore expansion during syncytium formation mediated by diverse viral fusogens

Using lysophosphatidylcholine, a curvature-inducing lysolipid, we have isolated a reversible, "stalled pore" phenotype during syncytium formation induced by the p14 fusion-associated small transmembrane (FAST) protein and influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) fusogens. This is the first evidence that lateral propagation of stable fusion pores leading to syncytiogenesis mediated by diverse viral fusogens is inhibited by promotion of positive membrane curvature in the outer leaflets of the lipid bilayer surrounding intercellular fusion pores.

The blockade of the neurotransmitter release apparatus by botulinum neurotoxins

The high toxicity of the seven serotypes of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT/A to G), together with their specificity and reversibility, includes them in the list A of potential bioterrorism weapons and, at the same time, among the therapeutics of choice for a variety of human syndromes. They invade nerve terminals and cleave specifically the three proteins which form the heterotrimeric SNAP REceptors (SNARE) complex that mediates neurotransmitter release. The BoNT-induced cleavage of the SNARE proteins explains by itself the paralysing activity of the BoNTs because the truncated proteins cannot form the SNARE complex. However, in the case of BoNT/A, the most widely used toxin in therapy, additional factors come into play as it only removes a few residues from the synaptosomal associate protein of 25 kDa C-terminus and this results in a long duration of action. To explain these facts and other experimental data, we present here a model for the assembly of the neuroexocytosis apparatus in which Synaptotagmin and Complexin first assist the zippering of the SNARE complex, and then stabilize and clamp an octameric radial assembly of the SNARE complexes.

Cellular membrane accommodation of copper-induced oxidative conditions in the coral Seriatopora caliendrum

Oxidative stress has been associated with copper-induced toxicity in scleractinian corals. To gain insight into the accommodation of the cellular membrane to oxidative conditions, a pocilloporid coral, Seriatopora caliendrum, was exposed to copper at distinct, environmentally relevant dose for various lengths of time. Glycerophosphocholine profiling of the response of the coral to copper exposure was characterized using a validated method. The results indicate that coral lipid metabolism is programmed to induce membrane alterations in response to the cellular deterioration that occurs during the copper exposure period. Decreasing lyso-phosphatidylcholines and exchanging polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholines for polyunsaturated plasmanylcholines were the initial actions taken to prevent membrane permeabilization. To relax/resist the resulting membrane strain caused by cell/organelle swelling, the coral cells inversely exchanged polyunsaturated plasmanylcholines for polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholines and further increased the levels of monounsaturated glycerophosphocholines. At the same time, the levels of saturated phosphatidylcholines were also increased to increase membrane rigidity and protect against oxidative attack. Interestingly, such alterations in lipid metabolism were also required for membrane fusion to repair the deteriorated membranes by repopulating them with proximal lipid reservoirs, similar to symbiosome membranes. Additionally, increasing saturated and monounsaturated plasmanylcholines and inhibiting the suppression of saturated lyso-phosphatidylcholines were shown to facilitate membrane fusion. Based on the biochemical and biophysical properties of these lipids, the chronic effects of copper, such as coral resistance and growth, can be logically interpreted to result from long-term perturbations in cellular membrane-related functions. In conclusion, the cells of S. caliendrum alter their lipid metabolism and sacrifice fitness to allow the membrane to accommodate copper-induced oxidative situations.

Single-virus fusion experiments reveal proton influx into vaccinia virions and hemifusion lag times

Recent studies have revealed new insights into the endocytosis of vaccinia virus (VACV). However, the mechanism of fusion between viral and cellular membranes remains unknown. We developed a microfluidic device with a cell-trap array for immobilization of individual cells, with which we analyzed the acid-dependent fusion of single virions. VACV particles incorporating enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and labeled with self-quenching concentrations of R18 membrane dye were used in combination with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to measure the kinetics of R18 dequenching and thus single hemifusion events initiated by a fast low-pH trigger. These studies revealed unexpectedly long lag phases between pH change and hemifusion. In addition, we found that EGFP fluorescence in the virus was quenched upon acidification, indicating that protons could access the virus core, possibly through a proton channel. In a fraction of virus particles, EGFP fluorescence was recovered, presumably after fusion-pore formation and exposure of the core to the physiological pH of the host-cell cytosol. Given that virus-encoded cation channels play a crucial role in the life cycle of many viruses and can serve as antiviral drug targets, further investigations into a potential VACV viroporin are justified. Our findings indicate that the microfluidic device described may be highly beneficial to similar studies requiring fast kinetic measurements.

SNARE and regulatory proteins induce local membrane protrusions to prime docked vesicles for fast calcium-triggered fusion

Synaptic vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane in response to Ca(2+) influx, thereby releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. The protein machinery that mediates this process, consisting of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and regulatory proteins, is well known, but the mechanisms by which these proteins prime synaptic membranes for fusion are debated. In this study, we applied large-scale, automated cryo-electron tomography to image an in vitro system that reconstitutes synaptic fusion. Our findings suggest that upon docking and priming of vesicles for fast Ca(2)(+)-triggered fusion, SNARE proteins act in concert with regulatory proteins to induce a local protrusion in the plasma membrane, directed towards the primed vesicle. The SNAREs and regulatory proteins thereby stabilize the membrane in a high-energy state from which the activation energy for fusion is profoundly reduced, allowing synchronous and instantaneous fusion upon release of the complexin clamp.

Role of electrostatic repulsion in controlling pH-dependent conformational changes of viral fusion proteins

Viral fusion proteins undergo dramatic conformational transitions during membrane fusion. For viruses that enter through the endosome, these conformational rearrangements are typically pH sensitive. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the molecular interactions that govern pH-dependent rearrangements and introduce a paradigm for electrostatic residue pairings that regulate progress through the viral fusion coordinate. Analysis of structural data demonstrates a significant role for side-chain protonation in triggering conformational change. To characterize this behavior, we identify two distinct residue pairings, which we define as Histidine-Cation (HisCat) and Anion-Anion (AniAni) interactions. These side-chain pairings destabilize a particular conformation via electrostatic repulsion through side-chain protonation. Furthermore, two energetic control mechanisms, thermodynamic and kinetic, regulate these structural transitions. This review expands on the current literature by identification of these residue clusters, discussion of data demonstrating their function, and speculation of how these residue pairings contribute to the energetic controls.

Free-standing kinked nanowire transistor probes for targeted intracellular recording in three dimensions

Recording intracellular (IC) bioelectrical signals is central to understanding the fundamental behaviour of cells and cell networks in, for example, neural and cardiac systems. The standard tool for IC recording, the patch-clamp micropipette is applied widely, yet remains limited in terms of reducing the tip size, the ability to reuse the pipette and ion exchange with the cytoplasm. Recent efforts have been directed towards developing new chip-based tools, including micro-to-nanoscale metal pillars, transistor-based kinked nanowires and nanotube devices. These nanoscale tools are interesting with respect to chip-based multiplexing, but, so far, preclude targeted recording from specific cell regions and/or subcellular structures. Here we overcome this limitation in a general manner by fabricating free-standing probes in which a kinked silicon nanowire with an encoded field-effect transistor detector serves as the tip end. These probes can be manipulated in three dimensions within a standard microscope to target specific cells or cell regions, and record stable full-amplitude IC action potentials from different targeted cells without the need to clean or change the tip. Simultaneous measurements from the same cell made with free-standing nanowire and patch-clamp probes show that the same action potential amplitude and temporal properties are recorded without corrections to the raw nanowire signal. In addition, we demonstrate real-time monitoring of changes in the action potential as different ion-channel blockers are applied to cells, and multiplexed recording from cells by independent manipulation of two free-standing nanowire probes.

Sub-10-nm intracellular bioelectronic probes from nanowire-nanotube heterostructures

The miniaturization of bioelectronic intracellular probes with a wide dynamic frequency range can open up opportunities to study biological structures inaccessible by existing methods in a minimally invasive manner. Here, we report the design, fabrication, and demonstration of intracellular bioelectronic devices with probe sizes less than 10 nm. The devices are based on a nanowire-nanotube heterostructure in which a nanowire field-effect transistor detector is synthetically integrated with a nanotube cellular probe. Sub-10-nm nanotube probes were realized by a two-step selective etching approach that reduces the diameter of the nanotube free-end while maintaining a larger diameter at the nanowire detector necessary for mechanical strength and electrical sensitivity. Quasi-static water-gate measurements demonstrated selective device response to solution inside the nanotube, and pulsed measurements together with numerical simulations confirmed the capability to record fast electrophysiological signals. Systematic studies of the probe bandwidth in different ionic concentration solutions revealed the underlying mechanism governing the time response. In addition, the bandwidth effect of phospholipid coatings, which are important for intracellular recording, was investigated and modeled. The robustness of these sub-10-nm bioelectronics probes for intracellular interrogation was verified by optical imaging and recording the transmembrane resting potential of HL-1 cells. These ultrasmall bioelectronic probes enable direct detection of cellular electrical activity with highest spatial resolution achieved to date, and with further integration into larger chip arrays could provide a unique platform for ultra-high-resolution mapping of activity in neural networks and other systems.

Sub-10-nm intracellular bioelectronic probes from nanowire-nanotube heterostructures

The miniaturization of bioelectronic intracellular probes with a wide dynamic frequency range can open up opportunities to study biological structures inaccessible by existing methods in a minimally invasive manner. Here, we report the design, fabrication, and demonstration of intracellular bioelectronic devices with probe sizes less than 10 nm. The devices are based on a nanowire-nanotube heterostructure in which a nanowire field-effect transistor detector is synthetically integrated with a nanotube cellular probe. Sub-10-nm nanotube probes were realized by a two-step selective etching approach that reduces the diameter of the nanotube free-end while maintaining a larger diameter at the nanowire detector necessary for mechanical strength and electrical sensitivity. Quasi-static water-gate measurements demonstrated selective device response to solution inside the nanotube, and pulsed measurements together with numerical simulations confirmed the capability to record fast electrophysiological signals. Systematic studies of the probe bandwidth in different ionic concentration solutions revealed the underlying mechanism governing the time response. In addition, the bandwidth effect of phospholipid coatings, which are important for intracellular recording, was investigated and modeled. The robustness of these sub-10-nm bioelectronics probes for intracellular interrogation was verified by optical imaging and recording the transmembrane resting potential of HL-1 cells. These ultrasmall bioelectronic probes enable direct detection of cellular electrical activity with highest spatial resolution achieved to date, and with further integration into larger chip arrays could provide a unique platform for ultra-high-resolution mapping of activity in neural networks and other systems.

Multi-step formation of a hemifusion diaphragm for vesicle fusion revealed by all-atom molecular dynamics simulations

Membrane fusion is essential for intracellular trafficking and virus infection, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the fusion process remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the membrane fusion mechanism using vesicle models which were pre-bound by inter-vesicle Ca(2+)-lipid clusters to approximate Ca(2+)-catalyzed fusion. Our results show that the formation of the hemifusion diaphragm for vesicle fusion is a multi-step event. This result contrasts with the assumptions made in most continuum models. The neighboring hemifused states are separated by an energy barrier on the energy landscape. The hemifusion diaphragm is much thinner than the planar lipid bilayers. The thinning of the hemifusion diaphragm during its formation results in the opening of a fusion pore for vesicle fusion. This work provides new insights into the formation of the hemifusion diaphragm and thus increases understanding of the molecular mechanism of membrane fusion. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane Structure and Function: Relevance in the Cell's Physiology, Pathology and Therapy.

Michael Kozlov: a twist in membrane physics. Interview by Caitlin Sedwick

Kozlov studies the biophysics of membrane shape and behavior.

Monolayer spontaneous curvature of raft-forming membrane lipids

Monolayer spontaneous curvatures for cholesterol, DOPE, POPE, DOPC, DPPC, DSPC, POPC, SOPC, and egg sphingomyelin were obtained using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) on inverted hexagonal phases (HII). Spontaneous curvatures of bilayer forming lipids were estimated by adding controlled amounts to a HII forming template following previously established protocols. Spontaneous curvatures of both phosphatidylethanolamines and cholesterol were found to be at least a factor of two more negative than those of phosphatidylcholines, whose J0 values are closer to zero. Interestingly, a significant positive J0 value was retrieved for DPPC. We further determined the temperature dependence of the spontaneous curvatures J0(T) in the range from 15 to 55 °C, resulting in a quite narrow distribution of -1 to -3 × 10-3 (nm °C)-1 for most investigated lipids. The data allowed us to estimate the monolayer spontaneous curvatures of ternary lipid mixtures showing liquid ordered/liquid disordered phase coexistence. We report spontaneous curvature phase diagrams for DSPC/DOPC/Chol, DPPC/DOPC/Chol and SM/POPC/Chol and discuss effects on protein insertion and line tension.

Direct measurements of effect of counterion concentration on mechanical properties of cationic vesicles

Theoretical analyses of charged membranes in aqueous solutions have long predicted that the electric double layer surrounding them contributes significantly to their mechanical properties. Here we report the first, direct experimental measurements of the effect of counterion concentration on the bending and area expansion modulus of cationic surfactant vesicles. Using the classical technique of micropipet aspiration coupled with a modified experimental protocol that is better suited for cationic vesicles, we successfully measure the mechanical properties of a double-tailed cationic surfactant, diethylesterdimethyl ammonium chloride (diC18:1 DEEDMAC) in CaCl2 solutions. It is observed that the area expansion modulus of the charged membrane exhibits no measurable dependence on the counterion concentration, in accordance with existing models of bilayer elasticity. The measured bending modulus, however, is found to vary nonmonotonically and exhibits a minimum in its variation with counterion concentration. The experimental results are interpreted based on theoretical calculations of charged and bare membrane mechanics. It is determined that the initial decrease in bending modulus with increasing counterion concentration may be attributed to a decreasing double layer thickness, while the subsequent increase is likely due to an increasing membrane thickness. These mechanical moduli measurements qualitatively confirm, for the first time, theoretical predictions of a nonmonotonic behavior and the opposing effects of ionic strength on the bending rigidity of charged bilayers.

A novel assay for detecting fusion pore formation: implications for the fusion mechanism

Membrane fusion is broadly envisioned as a two- or three-step process proceeding from contacting bilayers through one or two semistable, nonlamellar lipidic intermediate structures to a fusion pore. A true fusion event requires mixing of contents between compartments and is monitored by the movement of soluble molecules between trapped compartments. We have used poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to rapidly generate an ensemble aggregated state A that proceeds sequentially through intermediates (I₁ and/or I₂) to a final fusion pore state (FP) with rate constants k₁, k₂, and k₃. Movement of moderately sized solutes (e.g., Tb³⁺/dipicolinic acid) has been used to detect pores assigned to intermediate states as well as to the final state (FP). Analysis of ensemble kinetic data has required that mixing of contents occurs with defined probabilities (αi) in each ensemble state, although it is unclear whether pores that form in different states are different. We introduce here a simple new assay that employs fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between a 6-carboxyfluorescein (donor) and tetramethylrhodamine (acceptor), which are covalently attached to complementary sequences of 10 bp oligonucleotides. Complementary sequences of fluorophore-labeled oligonucleotides were incorporated in vesicles separately, and the level of FRET increased in a simple exponential fashion during PEG-mediated fusion. The resulting rate constant corresponded closely to the slow rate constant of FP formation (k₃) derived from small molecule assays. Additionally, the total extent of oligonucleotide mixing corresponded to the fraction of content mixing that occurred in state FP in the small molecule assay. The results show that both large "final pores" and small (presumably transient) pores can form between vesicles throughout the fusion process. The implications of this result for the mechanism of membrane fusion are discussed.

Mechanical unzipping and rezipping of a single SNARE complex reveals hysteresis as a force-generating mechanism

Formation of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex provides mechanical thrust for membrane fusion, but its molecular mechanism is still unclear. Here using magnetic tweezers, we observe mechanical responses of a single neuronal SNARE complex under constant pulling force. Single SNARE complexes may be unzipped with 34 pN force. When rezipping is induced by lowering the force to 11 pN, only a partially assembled state results, with the C-terminal half of the SNARE complex remaining disassembled. Reassembly of the C-terminal half occurs only when the force is further lowered below 11 pN. Thus, mechanical hysteresis, characterized by the unzipping and rezipping cycle of a single SNARE complex, produces the partially assembled state. In this metastable state, unzipping toward the N-terminus is suppressed while zippering toward the C-terminus is initiated as a steep function of force. This ensures the directionality of SNARE-complex formation, making the SNARE complex a robust force-generating machine.

Interactions between (SNARE) proteins on vesicle and target membranes provide the force necessary to drive membrane fusion. By applying piconewton forces to single SNARE complexes, the authors identify a partially assembled intermediate state that reveals how force is generated in a consistent direction.

Liposomes with double-stranded DNA anchoring the bilayer to a hydrogel core

Liposomes are important biomolecular nanostructures for handling membrane-associated molecules in the lab and delivering drugs in the clinic. In addition to their biomedical applications, they have been widely used as model cell membranes in biophysical studies. Here we present a liposome-based model membrane that mimics the attachment of membrane-resident molecules to the cytoskeleton. To facilitate this attachment, we have developed a lipid-based hybrid nanostructure in which the liposome bilayer membrane is covalently anchored to a biocompatible poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) hydrogel core using short double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) linkers. The dsDNA linkers connect cholesterol groups that reside in the bilayer to vinyl groups that are incorporated in the cross-linked hydrogel backbone. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) of intact and surfactant-treated nanoparticles confirms the formation of anchored hydrogel structures. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows ~100 nm nanoparticles even after removal of unanchored phospholipids. The location of dsDNA groups at the hydrogel-bilayer interface is confirmed with a fluorescence assay. Using DNA as a linker between the bilayer and a hydrogel core allows for temperature-dependent release of the anchoring interaction, produces polymer nanogels with addressible hybridization sites on their surface, and provides a prototype structure for potential future oligonucleotide drug delivery applications.

Optical stretching as a tool to investigate the mechanical properties of lipid bilayers

Measurements of lipid bilayer bending modulus by various techniques produce widely divergent results. We attempt to resolve some of this ambiguity by measuring bending modulus in a system that can rapidly process large numbers of samples, yielding population statistics. This system is based on optical stretching of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) in a microfluidic dual-beam optical trap (DBOT). The microfluidic DBOT system is used here to measure three populations of GUVs with distinct lipid compositions. We find that gel-phase membranes are significantly stiffer than liquid-phase membranes, consistent with previous reports. We also find that the addition of cholesterol does not alter the bending modulus of membranes composed of a monounsaturated phospholipid.

Nanoelectronics meets biology: from new nanoscale devices for live-cell recording to 3D innervated tissues

High spatiotemporal resolution interfaces between electrical sensors and biological systems, from single live cells to tissues, is crucial for many areas, including fundamental biophysical studies as well as medical monitoring and intervention. Herein, we summarize recent progress in the development and application of novel nanoscale devices for intracellular electrical recording of action potentials and the effort of merging electronic and biological systems seamlessly in three dimensions by using macroporous nanoelectronic scaffolds. The uniqueness of these nanoscale devices for minimally invasive, large-scale, high spatial resolution, and three-dimensional neural activity mapping are highlighted.

Effect of particle diameter and surface composition on the spontaneous fusion of monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles with lipid bilayers

Anionic, monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been shown to nondisruptively penetrate cellular membranes. Here, we show that a critical first step in the penetration process is potentially the fusion of such AuNPs with lipid bilayers. Free energy calculations, experiments on unilamellar and multilamellar vesicles, and cell studies all support this hypothesis. Furthermore, we show that fusion is only favorable for AuNPs with core diameters below a critical size that depends on the monolayer composition.

An experimental system for controlled exposure of biological samples to electrostatic discharges

Electrostatic discharges occur naturally as lightning strokes, and artificially in light sources and in materials processing. When an electrostatic discharge interacts with living matter, the basic physical effects can be accompanied by biophysical and biochemical phenomena, including cell excitation, electroporation, and electrofusion. To study these phenomena, we developed an experimental system that provides easy sample insertion and removal, protection from airborne particles, observability during the experiment, accurate discharge origin positioning, discharge delivery into the sample either through an electric arc with adjustable air gap width or through direct contact, and reliable electrical insulation where required. We tested the system by assessing irreversible electroporation of Escherichia coli bacteria (15 mm discharge arc, 100 A peak current, 0.1 μs zero-to-peak time, 0.2 μs peak-to-halving time), and gene electrotransfer into CHO cells (7 mm discharge arc, 14 A peak current, 0.5 μs zero-to-peak time, 1.0 μs peak-to-halving time). Exposures to natural lightning stroke can also be studied with this system, as due to radial current dissipation, the conditions achieved by a stroke at a particular distance from its entry are also achieved by an artificial discharge with electric current downscaled in magnitude, but similar in time course, correspondingly closer to its entry.

A comparison of coarse-grained and continuum models for membrane bending in lipid bilayer fusion pores

To establish the validity of continuum mechanics models quantitatively for the analysis of membrane remodeling processes, we compare the shape and energies of the membrane fusion pore predicted by coarse-grained (MARTINI) and continuum mechanics models. The results at these distinct levels of resolution give surprisingly consistent descriptions for the shape of the fusion pore, and the deviation between the continuum and coarse-grained models becomes notable only when the radius of curvature approaches the thickness of a monolayer. Although slow relaxation beyond microseconds is observed in different perturbative simulations, the key structural features (e.g., dimension and shape of the fusion pore near the pore center) are consistent among independent simulations. These observations provide solid support for the use of coarse-grained and continuum models in the analysis of membrane remodeling. The combined coarse-grained and continuum analysis confirms the recent prediction of continuum models that the fusion pore is a metastable structure and that its optimal shape is neither toroidal nor catenoidal. Moreover, our results help reveal a new, to our knowledge, bowing feature in which the bilayers close to the pore axis separate more from one another than those at greater distances from the pore axis; bowing helps reduce the curvature and therefore stabilizes the fusion pore structure. The spread of the bilayer deformations over distances of hundreds of nanometers and the substantial reduction in energy of fusion pore formation provided by this spread indicate that membrane fusion can be enhanced by allowing a larger area of membrane to participate and be deformed.

Critical role of cortical vesicles in dissecting regulated exocytosis: overview of insights into fundamental molecular mechanisms

Regulated exocytosis is one of the defining features of eukaryotic cells, underlying many conserved and essential functions. Definitively assigning specific roles to proteins and lipids in this fundamental mechanism is most effectively accomplished using a model system in which distinct stages of exocytosis can be effectively separated. Here we discuss the establishment of sea urchin cortical vesicle fusion as a model to study regulated exocytosis-a system in which the docked, release-ready, and late Ca(2+)-triggered steps of exocytosis are isolated and can be quantitatively assessed using the rigorous coupling of functional and molecular assays. We provide an overview of the insights this has provided into conserved molecular mechanisms and how these have led to and integrate with findings from other regulated exocytotic cells.

Nanoelectronics-biology frontier: From nanoscopic probes for action potential recording in live cells to three-dimensional cyborg tissues

Semiconductor nanowires configured as the active channels of field-effect transistors (FETs) have been used as detectors for high-resolution electrical recording from single live cells, cell networks, tissues and organs. Extracellular measurements with substrate supported silicon nanowire (SiNW) FETs, which have projected active areas orders of magnitude smaller than conventional microfabricated multielectrode arrays (MEAs) and planar FETs, recorded action potential and field potential signals with high signal-to-noise ratio and temporal resolution from cultured neurons, cultured cardiomyocytes, acute brain slices and whole animal hearts. Measurements made with modulation-doped nanoscale active channel SiNW FETs demonstrate that signals recorded from cardiomyocytes are highly localized and have improved time resolution compared to larger planar detectors. In addition, several novel three-dimensional (3D) transistor probes, which were realized using advanced nanowire synthesis methods, have been implemented for intracellular recording. These novel probes include (i) flexible 3D kinked nanowire FETs, (ii) branched intracellular nanotube SiNW FETs, and (iii) active silicon nanotube FETs. Following phospholipid modification of the probes to mimic the cell membrane, the kinked nanowire, branched intracellular nanotube and active silicon nanotube FET probes recorded full-amplitude intracellular action potentials from spontaneously firing cardiomyocytes. Moreover, these probes demonstrated the capability of reversible, stable, and long-term intracellular recording, thus indicating the minimal invasiveness of the new nanoscale structures and suggesting biomimetic internalization via the phospholipid modification. Simultaneous, multi-site intracellular recording from both single cells and cell networks were also readily achieved by interfacing independently addressable nanoprobe devices with cells. Finally, electronic and biological systems have been seamlessly merged in 3D for the first time using macroporous nanoelectronic scaffolds that are analogous to synthetic tissue scaffold and the extracellular matrix in tissue. Free-standing 3D nanoelectronic scaffolds were cultured with neurons, cardiomyocytes and smooth muscle cells to yield electronically-innervated synthetic or 'cyborg' tissues. Measurements demonstrate that innervated tissues exhibit similar cell viability as with conventional tissue scaffolds, and importantly, demonstrate that the real-time response to drugs and pH changes can be mapped in 3D through the tissues. These results open up a new field of research, wherein nanoelectronics are merged with biological systems in 3D thereby providing broad opportunities, ranging from a nanoelectronic/tissue platform for real-time pharmacological screening in 3D to implantable 'cyborg' tissues enabling closed-loop monitoring and treatment of diseases. Furthermore, the capability of high density scale-up of the above extra- and intracellular nanoscopic probes for action potential recording provide important tools for large-scale high spatio-temporal resolution electrical neural activity mapping in both 2D and 3D, which promises to have a profound impact on many research areas, including the mapping of activity within the brain.

Composite contact of binary lipid membranes

Upon adhesion, binary lipid membranes may retain their structural identity but they may also undergo partial fusion promoted by microscopic phase separation of the components. In membranes composed of cylindrical and inverted conical lipids, a partially fused contact zone may consist of inverted micelles sandwiched between two monolayers. We theoretically analyze the elastic properties of such a composite contact zone. We calculate its bending moduli and we show that they may be considerably larger than the moduli of a phase-nonseparated double bilayer. The main mechanism responsible for the enhanced rigidity of the composite contact structure is the increased separation of the two monolayers caused by the presence of water in the inverted micelles.

A structural role for lipids in organelle shaping

The importance of proteins in shaping the membranes that define the perimeters of organelles is well documented. By forming cross-links, motors, or scaffolds or by inserting into membranes, proteins can harness energy to deform membranes, particularly when high degrees of curvature are necessitated-as in small membrane vesicles, tubules of the endoplasmic reticulum, the edges of endoplasmic reticulum sheets or Golgi apparatus cisternae, and membrane fusion intermediates (stalks). Here we propose that membrane lipids displaying negative curvature act in concert with membrane proteins to contribute to the alteration and maintenance of bending in biological membranes. We emphasize recent data from studies of sea urchin eggs and embryos and suggest how novel approaches can lead to future directions for investigating the roles of such lipids in vivo.

Alignment of synaptic vesicle macromolecules with the macromolecules in active zone material that direct vesicle docking

Synaptic vesicles dock at active zones on the presynaptic plasma membrane of a neuron’s axon terminals as a precondition for fusing with the membrane and releasing their neurotransmitter to mediate synaptic impulse transmission. Typically, docked vesicles are next to aggregates of plasma membrane-bound macromolecules called active zone material (AZM). Electron tomography on tissue sections from fixed and stained axon terminals of active and resting frog neuromuscular junctions has led to the conclusion that undocked vesicles are directed to and held at the docking sites by the successive formation of stable connections between vesicle membrane proteins and proteins in different classes of AZM macromolecules. Using the same nanometer scale 3D imaging technology on appropriately stained frog neuromuscular junctions, we found that ∼10% of a vesicle’s luminal volume is occupied by a radial assembly of elongate macromolecules attached by narrow projections, nubs, to the vesicle membrane at ∼25 sites. The assembly’s chiral, bilateral shape is nearly the same vesicle to vesicle, and nubs, at their sites of connection to the vesicle membrane, are linked to macromolecules that span the membrane. For docked vesicles, the orientation of the assembly’s shape relative to the AZM and the presynaptic membrane is the same vesicle to vesicle, whereas for undocked vesicles it is not. The connection sites of most nubs on the membrane of docked vesicles are paired with the connection sites of the different classes of AZM macromolecules that regulate docking, and the membrane spanning macromolecules linked to these nubs are also attached to the AZM macromolecules. We conclude that the luminal assembly of macromolecules anchors in a particular arrangement vesicle membrane macromolecules, which contain the proteins that connect the vesicles to AZM macromolecules during docking. Undocked vesicles must move in a way that aligns this arrangement with the AZM macromolecules for docking to proceed.

GTP-dependent membrane fusion

Shape changes and topological remodeling of membranes are essential for the identity of organelles and membrane trafficking. Although all cellular membranes have common features, membranes of different organelles create unique environments that support specialized biological functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a prime example of this specialization, as its lipid bilayer forms an interconnected system of cisternae, vesicles, and tubules, providing a highly compartmentalized structure for a multitude of biochemical processes. A variety of peripheral and integral membrane proteins that facilitate membrane curvature generation, fission, and/or fusion have been identified over the past two decades. Among these, the dynamin-related proteins (DRPs) have emerged as key players. Here, we review recent advances in our functional and molecular understanding of fusion DRPs, exemplified by atlastin, an ER-resident DRP that controls ER structure, function, and signaling.

The structure of herpesvirus fusion glycoprotein B-bilayer complex reveals the protein-membrane and lateral protein-protein interaction

Glycoprotein B (gB) is a key component of the complex herpesvirus fusion machinery. We studied membrane interaction of two gB ectodomain forms and present an electron cryotomography structure of the gB-bilayer complex. The two forms differed in presence or absence of the membrane proximal region (MPR) but showed an overall similar trimeric shape. The presence of the MPR impeded interaction with liposomes. In contrast, the MPR-lacking form interacted efficiently with liposomes. Lateral interaction resulted in coat formation on the membranes. The structure revealed that interaction of gB with membranes was mediated by the fusion loops and limited to the outer membrane leaflet. The observed intrinsic propensity of gB to cluster on membranes indicates an additional role of gB in driving the fusion process forward beyond the transient fusion pore opening and subsequently leading to fusion pore expansion.

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Full-length gB ectodomain has a structure similar to the ectodomain lacking the MPR

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The gB-bilayer structure reveals that the interaction is limited to the outer leaflet

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gB trimers have an intrinsic propensity to interact laterally and form protein arrays

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Arrays of gB trimers on membranes render the fusion pore open state irreversible

The helical hairpin structure of the influenza fusion peptide can be seen on a hydrophobic moment map

An assignment of the helical hairpin of the influenza fusion peptide has been made based on the hydrophobic moments, represented in a form of two-dimensional map. Such assignment holds for all serotypes, even for the cases of mutations altering the amino acid character. Similar results are obtained for the experimentally developed hydrophobicity scales, whose values reflect the transfer energies between aqueous and membrane environments. A distinct, however still structure-related hydrophobic map corresponds to a helical and contiguous HIV gp41 fp. The method may be used as a simple tool for sequence-based prediction of structures adopted by viral fusion peptides.

Mechanics of dynamin-mediated membrane fission

In eukaryotic cells, membrane compartments are split into two by membrane fission. This ensures discontinuity of membrane containers and thus proper compartmentalization. The first proteic machinery implicated in catalyzing membrane fission was dynamin. Dynamin forms helical collars at the neck of endocytic buds. This structural feature suggested that the helix of dynamin could constrict in order to promote fission of the enclosed membrane. However, verifying this hypothesis revealed itself to be a challenge, which inspired many in vitro and in vivo studies. The primary goal of this review is to discuss recent structural and physical data from biophysical studies that have refined our understanding of the dynamin mechanism. In addition to the constriction hypothesis, other models have been proposed to explain how dynamin induces membrane fission. We present experimental data supporting these various models and assess which model is the most probable.

Transorganellar complementation redefines the biochemical continuity of endoplasmic reticulum and chloroplasts

Tocopherols are nonpolar compounds synthesized and localized in plastids but whose genetic elimination specifically impacts fatty acid desaturation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), suggesting a direct interaction with ER-resident enzymes. To functionally probe for such interactions, we developed transorganellar complementation, where mutated pathway activities in one organelle are experimentally tested for substrate accessibility and complementation by active enzymes retargeted to a companion organelle. Mutations disrupting three plastid-resident activities in tocopherol and carotenoid synthesis were complemented from the ER in this fashion, demonstrating transorganellar access to at least seven nonpolar, plastid envelope-localized substrates from the lumen of the ER, likely through plastid:ER membrane interaction domains. The ability of enzymes in either organelle to access shared, nonpolar plastid metabolite pools redefines our understanding of the biochemical continuity of the ER and chloroplast with profound implications for the integration and regulation of organelle-spanning pathways that synthesize nonpolar metabolites in plants.

Possible role of IRTKS in Tks5-driven osteoclast fusion

Podosomes and invadopodia seen in osteoclasts and cancer cells, respectively, are actin-rich membrane protrusions. We recently demonstrated that an adaptor protein, Tks5, which is an established regulator of invadopodia in cancer cells, drives osteoclast-osteoclast fusion as well as osteoclast-cancer cell fusion by generating circumferential podosomes/invadopodia. This finding revealed an unexpected potential of podosomes/invadopodia to act as fusion-competent protrusions. Fusion of biological membranes involves the intricate orchestration of various proteins and lipids. Recent literature suggests the importance of membrane curvature formation in lipid bilayer fusion. In this study, we investigated the expression of Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs161/167 (BAR) domain superfamily proteins, which have membrane deforming activity, during osteoclastogenesis. We found that IRTKS was specifically induced during osteoclast fusion and interacted with Tks5, suggesting the role of IRTKS in the formation of fusion-competent protrusions via its BAR domain.

Lipid nature and their influence on opening of redox-active liposomes

The pathway for content release from reduction-sensitive liposomes based on a quinone-dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine lipid conjugate (Q-DOPE) is outlined using results from fluorescent dye content release assays as well as single- and multiple-angle light scattering. Experimental observations are consistent with a shape/size change of the reduced liposomes prior to their aggregation, with subsequent near-quantitative content release achieved only when the lipid membrane experiences conditions favorable to a lamellar to an inverted hexagonal phase transition. Addition of poly(ethyleneglycol)-modified DOPE (PEG-DOPE) to the Q-DOPE liposomal formulation results in stabilization of the lipid bilayer, whereas incorporation of DOPE yields faster content release. At high DOPE concentrations, DOPE/PEG-DOPE/Q-DOPE liposomes exhibit larger content release, indicating a change in pathway for content release. The outcomes here provide a better understanding of the underlying principles of triggered liposomal content release and the potential utility of specific lipid properties for the rational design of drug delivery systems based on the novel Q-DOPE lipid.

Lipid transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria

Mitochondria are partially autonomous organelles that depend on the import of certain proteins and lipids to maintain cell survival and membrane formation. Although phosphatidylglycerol, cardiolipin, and phosphatidylethanolamine are synthesized by mitochondrial enzymes, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, and sterols need to be imported from other organelles. The origin of most lipids imported into mitochondria is the endoplasmic reticulum, which requires interaction of these two subcellular compartments. Recently, protein complexes that are involved in membrane contact between endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria were identified, but their role in lipid transport is still unclear. In the present review, we describe components involved in lipid translocation between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and discuss functional as well as regulatory aspects that are important for lipid homeostasis.

Effect of osmotic stress on membrane fusion on solid substrate

There is currently a lack of comprehensive understanding of osmotic effect on lipid vesicle fusion on solid oxide surface. The question has both biological and biomedical implications. We studied the effect by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring using NaCl, sucrose as osmolytes, and two different osmotic stress imposition methods, which allowed us to separate the osmotic effects from the solute impacts. Osmotic stress was found to have limited influence on the fusion kinetics, independently of the direction of the gradient. Further atomic force microscopy experiments and energy consideration implied that osmotic stress spends the majority of chemical potential energy associated in directed transport of water across membrane. Its contribution to vesicle deformation and fusion on substrate is therefore small compared to that of adhesion.

Evidence for a radial SNARE super-complex mediating neurotransmitter release at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction

The SNARE proteins VAMP/synaptobrevin, SNAP-25 and syntaxin are core components of the apparatus that mediates neurotransmitter release. They form a heterotrimeric complex, and an undetermined number of SNARE complexes assemble to form a super-complex. Here, we present a radial model of this nanomachine. Experiments performed with botulinum neurotoxins led to the identification of one arginine residue in SNAP-25 and one aspartate residue in syntaxin (R206 and D253 in Drosophila melanogaster). These residues are highly conserved and predicted to play a major role in the protein-protein interactions between SNARE complexes by forming an ionic couple. Accordingly, we generated transgenic Drosophila lines expressing SNAREs mutated in these residues and performed an electrophysiological analysis of their neuromuscular junctions. Our results indicate that SNAP-25-R206 and syntaxin-D253 play a major role in neuroexocytosis and support a radial assembly of several SNARE complexes interacting via the ionic couple formed by these two residues.

Lightning-triggered electroporation and electrofusion as possible contributors to natural horizontal gene transfer

Phylogenetic studies show that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a significant contributor to genetic variability of prokaryotes, and was perhaps even more abundant during the early evolution. Hitherto, research of natural HGT has mainly focused on three mechanisms of DNA transfer: conjugation, natural competence, and viral transduction. This paper discusses the feasibility of a fourth such mechanism--cell electroporation and/or electrofusion triggered by atmospheric electrostatic discharges (lightnings). A description of electroporation as a phenomenon is followed by a review of experimental evidence that electroporation of prokaryotes in aqueous environments can result in release of non-denatured DNA, as well as uptake of DNA from the surroundings and transformation. Similarly, a description of electrofusion is followed by a review of experiments showing that prokaryotes devoid of cell wall can electrofuse into hybrids expressing the genes of their both precursors. Under sufficiently fine-tuned conditions, electroporation and electrofusion are efficient tools for artificial transformation and hybridization, respectively, but the quantitative analysis developed here shows that conditions for electroporation-based DNA release, DNA uptake and transformation, as well as for electrofusion are also present in many natural aqueous environments exposed to lightnings. Electroporation is thus a plausible contributor to natural HGT among prokaryotes, and could have been particularly important during the early evolution, when the other mechanisms might have been scarcer or nonexistent. In modern prokaryotes, natural absence of the cell wall is rare, but it is reasonable to assume that the wall has formed during a certain stage of evolution, and at least prior to this, electrofusion could also have contributed to natural HGT. The concluding section outlines several guidelines for assessment of the feasibility of lightning-triggered HGT.

Dual action of BPC194: a membrane active peptide killing bacterial cells

Membrane active peptides can perturb the lipid bilayer in several ways, such as poration and fusion of the target cell membrane, and thereby efficiently kill bacterial cells. We probe here the mechanistic basis of membrane poration and fusion caused by membrane-active, antimicrobial peptides. We show that the cyclic antimicrobial peptide, BPC194, inhibits growth of Gram-negative bacteria and ruptures the outer and inner membrane at the onset of killing, suggesting that not just poration is taking place at the cell envelope. To simplify the system and to better understand the mechanism of action, we performed Förster resonance energy transfer and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy studies in model membranes and show that the BPC194 causes fusion of vesicles. The fusogenic action is accompanied by leakage as probed by dual-color fluorescence burst analysis at a single liposome level. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations reveal how the peptides are able to simultaneously perturb the membrane towards porated and fused states. We show that the cyclic antimicrobial peptides trigger both fusion and pore formation and that such large membrane perturbations have a similar mechanistic basis.

A mechanistic paradigm for broad-spectrum antivirals that target virus-cell fusion

LJ001 is a lipophilic thiazolidine derivative that inhibits the entry of numerous enveloped viruses at non-cytotoxic concentrations (IC₅₀≤0.5 µM), and was posited to exploit the physiological difference between static viral membranes and biogenic cellular membranes. We now report on the molecular mechanism that results in LJ001's specific inhibition of virus-cell fusion.

The antiviral activity of LJ001 was light-dependent, required the presence of molecular oxygen, and was reversed by singlet oxygen (¹O₂) quenchers, qualifying LJ001 as a type II photosensitizer. Unsaturated phospholipids were the main target modified by LJ001-generated ¹O₂. Hydroxylated fatty acid species were detected in model and viral membranes treated with LJ001, but not its inactive molecular analog, LJ025. ¹O₂-mediated allylic hydroxylation of unsaturated phospholipids leads to a trans-isomerization of the double bond and concurrent formation of a hydroxyl group in the middle of the hydrophobic lipid bilayer. LJ001-induced ¹O₂-mediated lipid oxidation negatively impacts on the biophysical properties of viral membranes (membrane curvature and fluidity) critical for productive virus-cell membrane fusion. LJ001 did not mediate any apparent damage on biogenic cellular membranes, likely due to multiple endogenous cytoprotection mechanisms against phospholipid hydroperoxides.

Based on our understanding of LJ001's mechanism of action, we designed a new class of membrane-intercalating photosensitizers to overcome LJ001's limitations for use as an in vivo antiviral agent. Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies led to a novel class of compounds (oxazolidine-2,4-dithiones) with (1) 100-fold improved in vitro potency (IC₅₀<10 nM), (2) red-shifted absorption spectra (for better tissue penetration), (3) increased quantum yield (efficiency of ¹O₂ generation), and (4) 10–100-fold improved bioavailability. Candidate compounds in our new series moderately but significantly (p≤0.01) delayed the time to death in a murine lethal challenge model of Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV). The viral membrane may be a viable target for broad-spectrum antivirals that target virus-cell fusion.

The threat of emerging and re-emerging viruses underscores the need to develop broad-spectrum antivirals. LJ001 is a non-cytotoxic, membrane-targeted, broad-spectrum antiviral previously reported to inhibit the entry of many lipid-enveloped viruses. Here, we delineate the molecular mechanism that underlies LJ001's antiviral activity. LJ001 generates singlet oxygen (¹O₂) in the membrane bilayer; ¹O₂-mediated lipid oxidation results in changes to the biophysical properties of the viral membrane that negatively impacts its ability to undergo virus-cell fusion. These changes are not apparent on LJ001-treated cellular membranes due to their repair by cellular lipid biosynthesis. Thus, we generated a new class of membrane-targeted broad-spectrum antivirals with improved photochemical, photophysical, and pharmacokinetic properties leading to encouraging in vivo efficacy against a lethal emerging pathogen. This study provides a mechanistic paradigm for the development of membrane-targeting broad-spectrum antivirals that target the biophysical process underlying virus-cell fusion and that exploit the difference between inert viral membranes and their biogenic cellular counterparts.

Mitochondria-type GPAT is required for mitochondrial fusion

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) is involved in the first step in glycerolipid synthesis and is localized in both the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. To clarify the functional differences between ER-GPAT and mitochondrial (Mt)-GPAT, we generated both GPAT mutants in C. elegans and demonstrated that Mt-GPAT is essential for mitochondrial fusion. Mutation of Mt-GPAT caused excessive mitochondrial fragmentation. The defect was rescued by injection of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a direct product of GPAT, and by inhibition of LPA acyltransferase, both of which lead to accumulation of LPA in the cells. Mitochondrial fragmentation in Mt-GPAT mutants was also rescued by inhibition of mitochondrial fission protein DRP-1 and by overexpression of mitochondrial fusion protein FZO-1/mitofusin, suggesting that the fusion/fission balance is affected by Mt-GPAT depletion. Mitochondrial fragmentation was also observed in Mt-GPAT-depleted HeLa cells. A mitochondrial fusion assay using HeLa cells revealed that Mt-GPAT depletion impaired mitochondrial fusion process. We postulate from these results that LPA produced by Mt-GPAT functions not only as a precursor for glycerolipid synthesis but also as an essential factor of mitochondrial fusion.

Comparison of unitary exocytic events in pituitary lactotrophs and in astrocytes: modeling the discrete open fusion-pore states

In regulated exocytosis the merger between the vesicle and the plasma membranes leads to the formation of an aqueous channel (a fusion-pore), through which vesicular secretions exit into the extracellular space. A fusion pore was thought to be a short-lived intermediate preceding full-fusion of the vesicle and the plasma membranes (full-fusion exocytosis). However, transient exocytic events were also observed, where the fusion-pore opens and closes, repetitively. Here we asked whether there are different discrete states of the open fusion-pore. Unitary exocytic events were recorded by the high-resolution cell-attached patch-clamp method in pituitary lactotrophs and brain astrocytes. We monitored reversible unitary exocytic events, characterized by an on-step, which is followed by an off-step in membrane capacitance (C_m), a parameter linearly related to the membrane area. The results revealed three categories of reversible exocytic events (transient fusion-pore openings), which do not end with the complete integration of the vesicle membrane into the plasma membrane. These were categorized according to the observed differences in the amplitude and sign of the change in the real (Re) parts of the admittance signals: in case I events (Re ≈ 0) fusion pores are relatively wide; in case II (Re > 0) and case III (Re < 0) events fusion pores are relatively narrow. We show that case III events are more likely to occur for small vesicles, whereas, case II events are more likely to occur for larger vesicles. Case III events were considerably more frequent in astrocytes than in lactotrophs.

Intermediate conformations during viral fusion glycoprotein structural transition

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Three classes of fusion glycoproteins have been hitherto identified.

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Structures of their pre-fusion and post-fusion states have revealed a huge conformational change.

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Intermediate structures during the structural transition have been recently characterized.

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Published data are consistent with the existence of a ‘pre-hairpin’ intermediate.

Entry of enveloped viruses into cells requires the fusion of viral and cellular membranes, driven by conformational changes in viral glycoproteins. Three different classes of viral fusion proteins have been hitherto identified based on common structural elements. Crystal structures have provided static pictures of pre-fusion and post-fusion conformations of these proteins and have revealed the dramatic reorganization of the molecules, but the transition pathway remains elusive. In this review, we will focus on recent data aiming to characterize intermediate structures during the conformational change. All these data support the existence of a pre-hairpin intermediate, but its oligomeric status is still a matter of debate.

The lipid composition and physical properties of the yeast vacuole affect the hemifusion-fusion transition

Yeast vacuole fusion requires the formation of SNARE bundles between membranes. Although the function of vacuolar SNAREs is controlled in part by regulatory lipids, the exact role of the membrane in regulating fusion remains unclear. Because SNAREs are membrane-anchored and transmit the force required for fusion to the bilayer, we hypothesized that the lipid composition and curvature of the membrane aid in controlling fusion. Here, we examined the effect of altering membrane fluidity and curvature on the functionality of fusion-incompetent SNARE mutants that are thought to generate insufficient force to trigger the hemifusion-fusion transition. The hemifusion-fusion transition was inhibited by disrupting the 3Q:1R stoichiometry of SNARE bundles with the mutant SNARE Vam7p(Q283R) . Similarly, replacing the transmembrane domain of the syntaxin homolog Vam3p with a lipid anchor allowed hemifusion, but not content mixing. Hemifusion-stalled reactions containing either of the SNARE mutants were stimulated to fuse with chlorpromazine, an amphipathic molecule that alters membrane fluidity and curvature. The activity of mutant SNAREs was also rescued by the overexpression of SNAREs, thus multiplying the force transferred to the membrane. Thus, we conclude that either increasing membrane fluidity, or multiplying SNARE-generated energy restored the fusogenicity of mutant SNAREs that are stalled at hemifusion. We also found that regulatory lipids differentially modulated the complex formation of wild-type SNAREs. Together, these data indicate that the physical properties and the lipid composition of the membrane affect the function of SNAREs in promoting the hemifusion-fusion transition.

Lipid tail protrusion in simulations predicts fusogenic activity of influenza fusion peptide mutants and conformational models

Fusion peptides from influenza hemagglutinin act on membranes to promote membrane fusion, but the mechanism by which they do so remains unknown. Recent theoretical work has suggested that contact of protruding lipid tails may be an important feature of the transition state for membrane fusion. If this is so, then influenza fusion peptides would be expected to promote tail protrusion in proportion to the ability of the corresponding full-length hemagglutinin to drive lipid mixing in fusion assays. We have performed molecular dynamics simulations of influenza fusion peptides in lipid bilayers, comparing the X-31 influenza strain against a series of N-terminal mutants. As hypothesized, the probability of lipid tail protrusion correlates well with the lipid mixing rate induced by each mutant. This supports the conclusion that tail protrusion is important to the transition state for fusion. Furthermore, it suggests that tail protrusion can be used to examine how fusion peptides might interact with membranes to promote fusion. Previous models for native influenza fusion peptide structure in membranes include a kinked helix, a straight helix, and a helical hairpin. Our simulations visit each of these conformations. Thus, the free energy differences between each are likely low enough that specifics of the membrane environment and peptide construct may be sufficient to modulate the equilibrium between them. However, the kinked helix promotes lipid tail protrusion in our simulations much more strongly than the other two structures. We therefore predict that the kinked helix is the most fusogenic of these three conformations.

Membrane fusion is a common process critical to both cellular function and infection by enveloped viruses. Influenza is a particularly useful model system for studying fusion because the fusion reaction is accomplished by a single protein, hemagglutinin. Furthermore, mutations to the membrane-inserted portion of hemagglutinin have been identified that do not detectably alter the rest of the protein but can either arrest fusion halfway or block it entirely. For influenza at least, it seems that the membrane-inserted hemagglutinin peptide plays a critical role in promoting fusion, perhaps by increasing the local disorder of lipid bilayers. However, we lack a mechanistic understanding sufficient to predict the activity of fusion peptide mutants from their sequence. Here, we have used lipid tail protrusion as a way to measure how much fusion peptides disorder their surrounding bilayer; we see a strong relationship between lipid tail protrusion and the ability of fusion peptide mutants to promote lipid mixing between membranes. Our simulations also predict that this lipid tail protrusion is much more common when the peptides adopt a kinked helix structure than when they are straight or hairpin-like. We therefore hypothesize that, while all three types of structure likely undergo conformational exchange, the kinked helix structure is most active in promoting fusion.

Molecular dynamics simulation analysis of membrane defects and pore propensity of hemifusion diaphragms

Membrane fusion often exhibits slow dynamics in electrophysiological experiments, involving prespike foot and fusion pore-flickering, but the structural basis of such phenomena remains unclear. Hemifusion intermediates have been implicated in the early phase of membrane fusion. To elucidate the dynamics of formation of membrane defects and pores within the hemifusion diaphragm (HD), atomistic and coarse-grained models of hemifusion intermediates were constructed using dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine or dioleoylphosphatidylcholine membranes. The work necessary to displace a lipid molecule to the hydrophobic core of the bilayer was measured. For a lipid within the HD with radius of 4 nm, the work was ∼80 kJ/mol, similar to that in a planar bilayer. The work was much less (∼40 kJ/mol) when the HD was surrounded by a steep stalk, i.e., stalk wings forming a large angle at the junction of three bilayers. In the latter case, the lipid displacement engendered formation of a pore contacting the HD rim. The work was similarly small (40 kJ/mol) for a small HD of 1.5 nm radius, where a pore formed and grew rapidly, quickly generating a toroidal structure (<40 ns). Combining the steep stalk and the small HD decreased the work further, although quantitative analysis was difficult because the latter system was not in a stable equilibrium state. Results suggest that fine tuning of fusion dynamics requires strict control of the HD size and the angle between the expanded stalk and HD. In additional free simulations, the steep stalk facilitated widening of a preformed pore contacting the HD rim.