Fusion of lipid bilayers is usually prevented by considerable energy barriers arising from removal of the hydration shell, formation of highly curved structures and eventually fusion pore widening. The goal of this proposal is to measure the kinetics and thermodynamics associated with membrane fusion in the presence of SNAREs as a function of temperature, ionic conditions, lipid and protein composition, curvature, and lateral membrane tension. We will use colloidal probe microscopy paired with reconstituted membranes to provide tailored systems with customized complexity.
DFG Programme
Collaborative Research Centres
