Biomaterial Database

Molecular control of vesicle aggregation and membrane fusion: hypotheses on bile vesicles. 1990

N Düzgüneş

Cancer Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0128.

Molecular factors that control the aggregation and fusion of phospholipid vesicles are reviewed. These include membrane composition, vesicle size, various cations, membrane phase state, dehydrating agents and proteins. Several hypotheses are presented for the mechanism by which bile vesicles aggregate and fuse. It is proposed that phase-separated domains of cholesterol in the bile vesicle bilayer mediate the close approach of the vesicles and that molecular packing defects at the domain boundaries mediate hydrophobic interaction between and fusion of apposed membranes. The apposition or fusion of the membranes may provide the third dimension within which the cholesterol domains on apposed or collapsed membranes can begin to form the monohydrate crystal. Other mediators of aggregation and fusion are likely to be proteins that interact hydrophobically with the bile vesicle and diacylglycerol formed in the vesicles by phospholipase C action. Ca2+ is thought to enhance fusion by interacting with bile salts in the membrane or with membrane-associated proteins.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008081	Liposomes	Artificial, single or multilaminar vesicles (made from lecithins or other lipids) that are used for the delivery of a variety of biological molecules or molecular complexes to cells, for example, drug delivery and gene transfer. They are also used to study membranes and membrane proteins.	Niosomes,Transferosomes,Ultradeformable Liposomes,Liposomes, Ultra-deformable,Liposome,Liposome, Ultra-deformable,Liposome, Ultradeformable,Liposomes, Ultra deformable,Liposomes, Ultradeformable,Niosome,Transferosome,Ultra-deformable Liposome,Ultra-deformable Liposomes,Ultradeformable Liposome
D008561	Membrane Fusion	The adherence and merging of cell membranes, intracellular membranes, or artificial membranes to each other or to viruses, parasites, or interstitial particles through a variety of chemical and physical processes.	Fusion, Membrane,Fusions, Membrane,Membrane Fusions
D008566	Membranes	Thin layers of tissue which cover parts of the body, separate adjacent cavities, or connect adjacent structures.	Membrane Tissue,Membrane,Membrane Tissues,Tissue, Membrane,Tissues, Membrane
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D002135	Calcium-Binding Proteins	Proteins to which calcium ions are bound. They can act as transport proteins, regulator proteins, or activator proteins. They typically contain EF HAND MOTIFS.	Calcium Binding Protein,Calcium-Binding Protein,Calcium Binding Proteins,Binding Protein, Calcium,Binding Proteins, Calcium,Protein, Calcium Binding,Protein, Calcium-Binding
D002412	Cations	Positively charged atoms, radicals or groups of atoms which travel to the cathode or negative pole during electrolysis.	Cation
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D000838	Anions	Negatively charged atoms, radicals or groups of atoms which travel to the anode or positive pole during electrolysis.	Anion
D001646	Bile	An emulsifying agent produced in the LIVER and secreted into the DUODENUM. Its composition includes BILE ACIDS AND SALTS; CHOLESTEROL; and ELECTROLYTES. It aids DIGESTION of fats in the duodenum.	Biliary Sludge,Sludge, Biliary