Myomerger promotes fusion pore by elastic coupling between proximal membrane leaflets and hemifusion diaphragm

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20804-x
• Publication Date: 2021-01-21T11:05:39Z
• Authors: Gonen Golani; Evgenia Leikina; Kamran Melikov; Jarred M. Whitlock; Dilani G. Gamage; Gracia Luoma-Over...; Douglas P. Millay; Michael M. Kozlov; Leonid V. Chernom...
• Keywords: Membrane Curvature; Ectodomain; Cell fusion

Abstract Myomerger is a muscle-specific membrane protein involved in formation of multinucleated muscle cells by mediating the transition from early hemifusion stage to complete fusion. Here, we considered physical mechanism action based on hypothesis that shifts spontaneous curvature outer leaflets more positive values. We predicted, theoretically, generates leaflet elastic stresses, which propagate into diaphragm and accelerate fusion pore formation. showed ectodomain indeed lipid monolayers. substantiated experiments myoblast influenza hemagglutinin-mediated cell In both processes, effects were strikingly similar those lysophosphatidylcholine known generate The control post-hemifusion stages shifting proximal monolayers may be utilized diverse processes.