A5073287083- Lipid Membrane Structure and Behavior
- Cellular transport and secretion
- Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
- Lipid metabolism and biosynthesis
- Mitochondrial Function and Pathology
- Cardiomyopathy and Myosin Studies
- interferon and immune responses
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Genetic Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Photosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms
- Metabolism and Genetic Disorders
- Enzyme Catalysis and Immobilization
- Hepatitis B Virus Studies
- Cellular Mechanics and Interactions
- Caveolin-1 and cellular processes
- Microtubule and mitosis dynamics
- Characterization and Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
- Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications
- Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
- Nuclear Structure and Function
- Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
- Algal biology and biofuel production
- Virology and Viral Diseases
- RNA Interference and Gene Delivery
- Nanopore and Nanochannel Transport Studies
Heidelberg University
2022-2024
University of Haifa
2024
Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies
2022-2023
Tel Aviv University
2015-2022
Mitochondrial division, essential for survival in mammals, is enhanced by an inter-organellar process involving ER tubules encircling and constricting mitochondria. The force constriction thought to involve actin polymerization the ER-anchored isoform of formin protein inverted 2 (INF2). Unknown mechanism triggering INF2-mediated at ER-mitochondria intersections. We show that a novel formin-binding, actin-nucleating Spire, Spire1C, localizes mitochondria directly links cytoskeleton ER....
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...
Abstract Ebola viruses (EBOVs) assemble into filamentous virions, whose shape and stability are determined by the matrix viral protein 40 (VP40). Virus entry host cells occurs via membrane fusion in late endosomes; however, mechanism of how remarkably long virions undergo uncoating, including virion disassembly nucleocapsid release cytosol, remains unknown. Here, we investigate structural architecture EBOVs entering discover that VP40 disassembles prior to fusion. We reveal is caused...
The fusion of lipid membranes progresses through a series hemifusion intermediates with two significant energy barriers related to the formation stalk and pore, respectively. These determine speed success rate many critical biological processes, including highly curved membranes, for example synaptic vesicles enveloped viruses. Here we use continuum elastic theory monolayers relationship between membrane shape fusion. We find that decreases curvature by up 31 kBT in 20-nm-radius vesicle...
Ebola virus (EBOV) is an enveloped that must fuse with the host cell membrane in order to release its genome and initiate infection. This process requires action of EBOV envelope glycoprotein (GP), encoded by virus, which resides viral consists a receptor binding subunit, GP1, fusion GP2. Despite extensive research, mechanistic understanding incomplete. To investigate GP-membrane association, key step process, we used two approaches: high-throughput measurements single-particle diffusion...
Fusion of biological membranes is fundamental in various physiological events. The fusion process involves several intermediate stages with energy barriers that are tightly dependent on the mechanical and physical properties system, one which membrane tension. As previously established, late fusion, including hemifusion diaphragm pore expansions, favored by However, a current understanding how barrier earlier affected tension lacking. Here, we apply newly developed experimental approach...
ABSTRACT Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) inhibits the entry of numerous viruses through undefined molecular mechanisms. IFITM3 localizes in endosomal-lysosomal system and specifically impacts virus fusion with target cell membranes. We found that induces local lipid sorting, resulting an increased concentration lipids disfavoring viral at hemifusion site. This increases energy barrier for pore formation dwell time, promoting degradation lysosomes. In situ cryo-electron...
Abstract Ebola viruses (EBOVs) are filamentous particles, whose shape and stability determined by the VP40 matrix. Virus entry into host cells occurs via membrane fusion in late endosomes; however, mechanism of how remarkably long virions undergo uncoating including virion disassembly nucleocapsid release cytosol, remains unknown. Here, we investigate structural architecture EBOVs entering discover that matrix disassembles prior to fusion. We reveal is caused weakening VP40-lipid...
Abstract Tubular networks of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are dynamic structures whose steady-state conformations maintained by a balance between the persistent generation and vanishing network elements. While factors producing ER tubules inter-tubular junctions have been investigated, mechanisms behind their elimination remained unknown. Here we addressed ring closure, process resulting in tubule junction removal through constriction unit-cells into junctional knots followed knot remodeling...