Macromolecules that prefer their membranes curvy
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Reconstitution of Septin Assembly at Membranes to Study Biophysical Properties and Functions
Published on: July 28, 2022
Kerwyn Casey Huang1, Kumaran S Ramamurthi
1Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. kchuang@stanford.edu
Abstract:
Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the organization of bacterial cells has become a significant challenge in the field of bacterial cytology. Of specific interest are early macromolecular sorting events that establish cellular non-uniformity and provide chemical landmarks for later localization events. In this review, we will examine specific examples of lipids and proteins that appear to exploit differences in membrane curvature to drive their localization to particular regions of a bacterial cell. We will also discuss the physical limits of curvature-mediated localization within bacteria, and the use of modelling to infer biophysical properties of curvature-sensing macromolecules.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanisms of Membrane-bending
Membrane bending can happen due to intrinsic changes in lipid composition or extrinsic association with different proteins. The proteins involved...
Membrane Fluidity
Membrane Fluidity
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...
Membrane Lipids
Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin are the most common phospholipids present in mammalian membranes. At physiological pH, phosphatidylserine is negatively charged, while the other three...
Membrane Lipids
Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin are the most common phospholipids present in mammalian membranes. At physiological pH, phosphatidylserine is negatively charged, while the other three...
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer

