Membrane fusion proceeds via formation of intermediate nonbilayer structures. The stalk
model of fusion intermediate is commonly recognized to account for the major …

Membrane fusion is believed to proceed via intermediate structures called stalks.
Mathematical analysis of the stalk provided the elastic energy involved in this structure and …

Lipid bilayer fusion is thought to involve formation of a local hemifusion connection, referred
to as a fusion stalk. The subsequent fusion stages leading to the opening of a fusion pore …

Fusion of membranes is involved in basic biological processes but its mechanism remains
poorly understood. That different proteins trigger different fusion events obscures the …

The energetics of a fusion pathway is considered, starting from the contact site where two
apposed membranes each locally protrude (as “nipples”) toward each other. The equilibrium …

To understand the mechanism of membrane fusion, we have to infer the sequence of
structural transformations that occurs during the process. Here, it is shown how one can …

We use self-consistent field theory to determine structural and energetic properties of
intermediates and transition states involved in bilayer membrane fusion. In particular, we …

Conclusions The results reviewed suggest that membrane fusion in diverse biological fusion
reactions involves formation of some specific intermediates: stalks and pores. Energy of …

The Gaussian curvature elastic energy contribution to the energy of membrane fusion
intermediates has usually been neglected because the Gaussian curvature elastic modulus …

Diverse membrane fusion reactions in biology involve close contact between two lipid
bilayers, followed by the local distortion of the individual bilayers and reformation into a …