Membrane budding and tubulation provides the pathway for numerous cellular processes, such as nutrient uptake, biomolecule transport, and pathogen entry.  Transformation of the planar membrane into three-dimensional architectures is thought to be influenced primarily by the interfacial assembly and intrinsic curvature of interacting proteins.  Using a model membrane system we show an alternative scenario where bud and tube formation are dictated by lipid structure and the effects of protein crowding.  We prepared a series of Cu(II)-chelating lipids with tail structures that determine their phase state and direct their assembly into domains in the lipid membrane.  Selective binding of his-tagged proteins produced regions of high surface concentration in which localized spontaneous curvature is induced.  Formation and physical structure of buds or tubes from these domains were dependent upon mechanical properties of the domain as well as strength of protein affinity, not on any specific shape or interfacial assembly of proteins.

Understanding the role of lipid structure and protein interaction on membrane budding and tubulation

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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