Section on Membrane Biology

Head: Leonid Chernomordik

This section studies the role of lipids and the structure of lipid-involving intermediates in membrane fusion. We are continuing to probe fusion, with the main focus on the mechanisms by which specialized fusogenic proteins mediate formation of the lipid-involving intermediates. To achieve this goal, we have dissected fusion reactions mediated by influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and baculovirus gp64 into distinct stages using different reversible inhibitors. The emerging pathway includes a local hemifusion intermediate that forms within a ring of activated fusion proteins. We are now working on identifying specific mechanisms by which conformational changes in fusogenic proteins are coupled with membrane rearrangements. 

Resources

• Employee Listing
• E-Mail the Lab: lchern@helix.nih.gov