Simulation and prediction of membrane fusion dynamics

• Published in: Theoretical and applied mechanics letters Vol. 12; no. 1; p. 100321
• Main Authors: Zheng, Zhi, Lü, Shouqin, Long, Mian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Fusion pathway; Helfrich model; Hemifusion intermediates; Membrane fusion; Regulation; Helfrich model; Membrane fusion; Regulation; Hemifusion intermediates; Fusion pathway
• ISSN: 2095-0349
• DOI: 10.1016/j.taml.2022.100321

•Membrane fusion plays key roles on cellular or subcellular activities, and investigations of membrane fusion dynamics are crucial for understanding corresponding functions. In this paper, we reviewed the advances in dynamic features of membrane fusion, the regulation mechanism of lipid composition, mechanical microenvironment, protein and ion on the fusion dynamics, as well as the theoretical model for describing the process. Future perspectives were also proposed. Membrane fusion is an important process by which biological membranes perform their life activities. Simulations show that the membrane fusion process happens mainly through three pathways, where the Stalk-Pore hypothesis, in which two membranes come into close contact to form a stalk to a hemifusion intermediate, and then the fusion pore opens to achieve completely fusion, is widely accepted, and there exist two free energy barriers that break the current structural steady state for lipid rearrangement. Factors of lipid composition, mechanical environment, protein and ion have regulatory roles in the membrane fusion process by effecting membrane curvature structurally and the free energy barriers from energetic perspective. Meanwhile, many theoretical models, represented by the Helfrich model, have been proposed to predict the membrane fusion process. In this paper, we review the research process of membrane fusion and mainly introduce the dynamics of membrane fusion, regulation factors and typical theoretical models.