Curvature-driven feedback on aggregation-diffusion of proteins in lipid bilayers

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Membrane bending is crucial in cell biology, often driven by protein-membrane interactions.
• Protein diffusion and aggregation within the membrane plane are key factors influencing membrane shape.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive framework modeling explicit protein aggregation on membranes.
• To investigate the interplay between protein aggregation, diffusion, and membrane bending.

Main Methods:

• Developed a theoretical framework coupling lipid flow, membrane bending, protein entropy, and aggregation potential.
• Derived governing equations for the coupled system.
• Utilized numerical simulations and compared results to the Cahn-Hillard formalism.

Main Results:

• The model predicts how protein aggregation and diffusion influence membrane curvature generation.
• Identified regimes where proteins form distinct patterns on the membrane surface.
• Demonstrated the impact of coupled aggregation and diffusion on membrane-protein interactions.

Conclusions:

• Protein aggregation is a significant factor modulating membrane bending and protein organization.
• The developed framework provides insights into the complex dynamics of membrane-protein systems.
• This work advances the understanding of how molecular interactions dictate cellular membrane morphology.