Membrane Fusion Induced by Small Molecules and Ions
Joint Authors
Sarkar, Munna
Mondal Roy, Sutapa
Source
Issue
Vol. 2011, Issue 2011 (31 Dec. 2011), pp.1-14, 14 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2011-05-04
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
14
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Membrane fusion is a key event in many biological processes.
These processes are controlled by various fusogenic agents of which proteins and peptides from the principal group.
The fusion process is characterized by three major steps, namely, inter membrane contact, lipid mixing forming the intermediate step, pore opening and finally mixing of inner contents of the cells/vesicles.
These steps are governed by energy barriers, which need to be overcome to complete fusion.
Structural reorganization of big molecules like proteins/peptides, supplies the required driving force to overcome the energy barrier of the different intermediate steps.
Small molecules/ions do not share this advantage.
Hence fusion induced by small molecules/ions is expected to be different from that induced by proteins/peptides.
Although several reviews exist on membrane fusion, no recent review is devoted solely to small moleculs/ions induced membrane fusion.
Here we intend to present, how a variety of small molecules/ions act as independent fusogens.
The detailed mechanism of some are well understood but for many it is still an unanswered question.
Clearer understanding of how a particular small molecule can control fusion will open up a vista to use these moleucles instead of proteins/peptides to induce fusion both in vivo and in vitro fusion processes.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Mondal Roy, Sutapa& Sarkar, Munna. 2011. Membrane Fusion Induced by Small Molecules and Ions. Journal of Lipids،Vol. 2011, no. 2011, pp.1-14.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-478936
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Mondal Roy, Sutapa& Sarkar, Munna. Membrane Fusion Induced by Small Molecules and Ions. Journal of Lipids No. 2011 (2011), pp.1-14.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-478936
American Medical Association (AMA)
Mondal Roy, Sutapa& Sarkar, Munna. Membrane Fusion Induced by Small Molecules and Ions. Journal of Lipids. 2011. Vol. 2011, no. 2011, pp.1-14.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-478936
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-478936