Non-Equilibrium Large-Scale Membrane Transformations Driven by MinDE Biochemical Reaction Cycles

The MinDE proteins from E. coli have received great attention as a paradigmatic biological pattern-forming system. Recently, it has surfaced that these proteins do not only generate oscillating concentration gradients driven by ATP hydrolysis, but that they can reversibly deform giant vesicles. In order to explore the potential of Min proteins to actually perform mechanical work, we introduce a new model membrane system, flat vesicle stacks on top of a supported lipid bilayer. MinDE oscillations can repeatedly deform these flat vesicles into tubules and promote progressive membrane spreading through membrane adhesion. Dependent on membrane and buffer compositions, Min oscillations further induce robust bud formation. Altogether, we demonstrate that under specific conditions, MinDE self-organization can result in work performed on biomimetic systems and achieve a straightforward mechanochemical coupling between the MinDE biochemical reaction cycle and membrane transformation.

Automated summary

The MinDE proteins in E. coli have the ability to oscillate concentration gradients and deform giant vesicles through mechanical work. In a new model membrane system, MinDE oscillations deform flat vesicles into tubules and promote membrane spreading, as well as induce bud formation depending on the membrane and buffer compositions. Ultimately, this study demonstrates the potential for straightforward mechanochemical coupling between MinDE biochemical reaction cycle and membrane transformation.