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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Single-Molecule FRET Imaging for Observing the Conformational Dynamics of Dynamin-Like GTPase Atlastin

Single-Molecule FRET Imaging for Observing the Conformational Dynamics of Dynamin-Like GTPase Atlastin

Published on: January 24, 2025

Atlasin GTPases shape up ER networks.

Charles Barlowe¹

¹Department of Biochemistry, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH 03755, USA. barlowe@dartmouth.edu

Developmental Cell

|August 19, 2009

Summary

Atlastin GTPases are essential integral membrane proteins that drive membrane fusion. These proteins are crucial for forming the branched tubular networks characteristic of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience

Background:

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exists as a complex network of membranes.
Integral membrane proteins play vital roles in cellular structure and function.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of atlastin GTPases in ER membrane dynamics.
To understand how atlastin GTPases contribute to the formation of branched ER networks.

Main Methods:

Utilized advanced microscopy techniques to visualize ER structures.
Employed biochemical assays to study atlastin GTPase activity.
Investigated the effects of atlastin mutations on ER morphology.

Main Results:

Demonstrated that atlastin GTPases catalyze membrane fusion events.

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Published on: July 11, 2025

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Single-Molecule FRET Imaging for Observing the Conformational Dynamics of Dynamin-Like GTPase Atlastin

Single-Molecule FRET Imaging for Observing the Conformational Dynamics of Dynamin-Like GTPase Atlastin

Published on: January 24, 2025

Comparing the Affinity of GTPase-binding Proteins using Competition Assays

Comparing the Affinity of GTPase-binding Proteins using Competition Assays

Published on: October 8, 2015

Tuning the Contractility and Deformation Modes of Active Actin-Based Assemblies In Vitro: From Two-Dimensional Active Networks to Liquid Crystal Drops

Tuning the Contractility and Deformation Modes of Active Actin-Based Assemblies In Vitro: From Two-Dimensional Active Networks to Liquid Crystal Drops

Published on: July 11, 2025

Showed that atlastin GTPases are indispensable for the formation of branched ER tubular networks.

Linked atlastin dysfunction to ER structural abnormalities relevant to neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusions:

Atlastin GTPases are key regulators of ER membrane architecture.
Understanding atlastin function provides insights into ER-related disorders.