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Membrane morphology induced by anisotropic proteins.

Kiyotaka Akabori1, Christian D Santangelo

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Proteins inducing membrane curvature create complex phase diagrams. A lamellar phase with negative Gaussian curvature can form screw dislocations of both chiralities.

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Area of Science:

  • Membrane biophysics
  • Soft matter physics
  • Materials science

Background:

  • Biological fluid membranes are shaped by proteins.
  • Protein-induced membrane curvature is crucial for cellular functions.
  • Understanding membrane topology changes is essential for cell biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the topological alterations in fluid membranes induced by anisotropic, curvature-generating proteins.
  • To explore the phase diagram resulting from protein-mediated membrane curvature.
  • To model and analyze the formation of topological defects in specific membrane phases.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical modeling of fluid membranes with anisotropic inclusions.
  • Phase diagram analysis for systems with positive and negative Gaussian curvature.
  • Investigation of defect formation in lamellar phases under negative Gaussian curvature.

Main Results:

  • A rich phase diagram emerges from the interplay of proteins and membrane topology.
  • Distinct phases characterized by positive and negative Gaussian curvature were identified.
  • A lamellar phase in a negative Gaussian curvature regime was shown to form screw dislocations.
  • These screw dislocations possess a definite Burgers scalar but exhibit both chiralities.

Conclusions:

  • Anisotropic, curvature-inducing proteins significantly alter membrane topology.
  • The resulting phase diagram is complex, featuring diverse curvature regimes.
  • Screw dislocations are a key topological feature in specific membrane configurations, with implications for membrane organization and function.