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In vivo and in vitro Studies of Adaptor-clathrin Interaction
Published on: January 26, 2011
Rigidity of triskelion arms and clathrin nets
1Laboratory of Physical Biology, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
Biophysical Journal
|February 29, 2000
Summary
Statistical analysis of electron micrographs reveals that clathrin triskelion arms have identical properties and independent fluctuations. This indicates clathrin lattice rigidity is comparable to cell membranes, potentially driving vesicle formation.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Biophysics
- Statistical mechanics
Background:
- Clathrin, a protein forming intracellular coated vesicles, has a triskelion structure.
- Understanding the mechanical properties of clathrin is crucial for cell biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively analyze the structural properties of clathrin triskelions.
- To determine the elastic properties and flexural rigidity of clathrin arms.
- To compare the mechanical stability of clathrin lattices with cell membranes.
Main Methods:
- Statistical analysis of electron micrographic images.
- Measurement of local contour fluctuations.
- Application of small deformation statistical mechanics theory.
Main Results:
- Clathrin triskelion arms exhibit statistically identical properties and independent structural fluctuations.
- Elastic properties of clathrin arms are constant along their length.
- Effective flexural rigidity of clathrin arms was derived.
- Clathrin lattice rigidity is comparable to that of cell membranes.
Conclusions:
- The natural curvature of clathrin cages stabilizes intracellular coated vesicle formation.
- Clathrin's mechanical properties may play a role in vesicle formation and propulsion.
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