Insights into the mechanism of membrane fusion induced by the plant defense element, plant-specific insert.
J Biol Chem
; 295(43): 14548-14562, 2020 10 23.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32651232
ABSTRACT
In plants, many natural defense mechanisms include cellular membrane fusion as a way to resist infection by external pathogens. Several plant proteins mediate membrane fusion, but the detailed mechanism by which they promote fusion is less clear. Understanding this process could provide valuable insights into these proteins' physiological functions and guide bioengineering applications (i.e. the design of antimicrobial proteins). The plant-specific insert (PSI) from Solanum tuberosum can help reduce certain pathogen attack via membrane fusion. To gain new insights into the process of PSI-induced membrane fusion, a combined approach of NMR, FRET, and in silico studies was used. Our results indicate that (i) under acidic conditions, the PSI experiences a monomer-dimer equilibrium, and the dimeric PSI induces membrane fusion below a certain critical pH; (ii) after fusion, the PSI resides in a highly dehydrated environment with limited solvent accessibility, suggesting its capability in reducing repulsive dehydration forces between liposomes to facilitate fusion; and (iii) as shown by molecular dynamics simulations, the PSI dimer can bind stably to membrane surfaces and can bridge liposomes in close proximity, a critical step for the membrane fusion. In summary, this study provides new and unique insights into the mechanisms by which the PSI and similar proteins induce membrane fusion.
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Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Proteínas de Plantas
/
Solanum tuberosum
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Fusão de Membrana
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Biol Chem
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
China