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Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Microscopy of Fission Yeast Sexual Lifecycle
Published on: March 9, 2016
Structural dataset from microsecond-long simulations of yeast mitofusin Fzo1 in the context of membrane docking
Astrid Brandner1,2, Dario De Vecchis1,2, Marc Baaden1,2
1Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique-Fondation Edmond de Rothschild, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
Abstract:
In this work we present a novel set of possible auto-oligomerisation states of yeast protein Fzo1 in the context of membrane docking. The dataset reports atomistic models and trajectories derived from a molecular dynamics study of the yeast mitofusin Fzo1, residues 101-855. The initial modelling was followed by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation to evaluate the stability and the dynamics of each structural model in a solvated membrane environment. Simulations were run for 1 μs and collected with GROMACS v5.0.4 using the martini v2.1 force field. For each structural model, the dataset comprises the production phase under semi-isotropic condition at 1 bar, 310 K and 150 mn NaCl. The integration step is 20 fs and coordinates have been saved every 1 ns. Each trajectory is associated with a ready-available visualization state for the VMD software. These structural detailed informations are a ready-available platform to plan integrative studies on the mitofusin Fzo1 and will aid the community to further elucidate the mitochondrial tethering process during membrane fusion. This dataset is based on the publication "Physics-based oligomeric models of the yeast mitofusin Fzo1 at the molecular scale in the context of membrane docking." (Brandner and De Vecchis et al., 2019)".
Insights
This study presents novel models of yeast Fzo1 protein oligomerization during membrane docking. These molecular dynamics simulations provide insights into mitochondrial fusion mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Yeast mitofusin Fzo1 is crucial for mitochondrial fusion.
- Understanding Fzo1's auto-oligomerization is key to elucidating membrane tethering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate and analyze novel auto-oligomerization states of yeast Fzo1.
- To provide atomistic models and trajectories for studying Fzo1 in membrane docking.
Main Methods:
- Atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS and the Martini force field.
- Simulations conducted for 1 µs in a solvated membrane environment with specific salt conditions.
- Data includes structural models, trajectories, and VMD visualization states.
Main Results:
- A novel dataset of yeast Fzo1 auto-oligomerization states was generated.
- Stability and dynamics of structural models were evaluated in a membrane context.
- Detailed structural information is provided for further integrative studies.
Conclusions:
- The dataset offers a platform for planning integrative studies on Fzo1.
- This work aids in elucidating the mitochondrial tethering process during membrane fusion.

