Binding of Curvature-Inducing Proteins onto Biomembranes

Abstract

We review the theoretical analyses and simulations of the interactions between curvatureinducing proteins and biomembranes. Laterally isotropic proteins induce spherical budding, whereas anisotropic proteins, such as Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) superfamily proteins, induce tubulation. Both types of proteins can sense the membrane curvature. We describe the theoretical analyses of various transitions of protein binding accompanied by a change in various properties, such as the number of buds, the radius of membrane tubes, and the nematic order of anisotropic proteins. Moreover, we explain the membrane-mediated interactions and protein assembly. Many types of membrane shape transformations (spontaneous tubulation, formation of polyhedral vesicles, polygonal tubes, periodic bumps, and network structures, etc.) have been demonstrated by coarse-grained simulations. Furthermore, traveling waves and Turing patterns under the coupling of reactiondiffusion dynamics and membrane deformation are described.

Membrane shape deformation induced by curvature-inducing proteins consisting of chiral crescent binding and intrinsically disordered domains

“…The aim of this study is to clarify the collective effects of the anisotropic curvature-inducing domains and anchored polymer chains. Previously, we have simulated anisotropic curvature-inducing proteins using a meshless membrane method [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45]. The assembly of crescent rods induces tubulation from a flat membrane [40,43], and the protein chirality enhances this ability [44].…”