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IM30 triggers membrane fusion in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts

Author

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  • Raoul Hennig

    (Institut für Pharmazie and Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz)

  • Jennifer Heidrich

    (Institut für Pharmazie and Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz)

  • Michael Saur

    (Institut für Zoologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz)

  • Lars Schmüser

    (Max Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung)

  • Steven J. Roeters

    (Vant Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam)

  • Nadja Hellmann

    (Institut für Molekulare Biophysik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz)

  • Sander Woutersen

    (Vant Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam)

  • Mischa Bonn

    (Max Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung)

  • Tobias Weidner

    (Max Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung
    University of Washington)

  • Jürgen Markl

    (Institut für Zoologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz)

  • Dirk Schneider

    (Institut für Pharmazie and Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz)

Abstract

The thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts and cyanobacteria is a unique internal membrane system harbouring the complexes of the photosynthetic electron transfer chain. Despite their apparent importance, little is known about the biogenesis and maintenance of thylakoid membranes. Although membrane fusion events are essential for the formation of thylakoid membranes, proteins involved in membrane fusion have yet to be identified in photosynthetic cells or organelles. Here we show that IM30, a conserved chloroplast and cyanobacterial protein of approximately 30 kDa binds as an oligomeric ring in a well-defined geometry specifically to membranes containing anionic lipids. Triggered by Mg2+, membrane binding causes destabilization and eventually results in membrane fusion. We propose that IM30 establishes contacts between internal membrane sites and promotes fusion to enable regulated exchange of proteins and/or lipids in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts.

Suggested Citation

  • Raoul Hennig & Jennifer Heidrich & Michael Saur & Lars Schmüser & Steven J. Roeters & Nadja Hellmann & Sander Woutersen & Mischa Bonn & Tobias Weidner & Jürgen Markl & Dirk Schneider, 2015. "IM30 triggers membrane fusion in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-10, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms8018
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8018
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    Cited by:

    1. Lucas Gewehr & Benedikt Junglas & Ruven Jilly & Johannes Franz & Wenyu Eva Zhu & Tobias Weidner & Mischa Bonn & Carsten Sachse & Dirk Schneider, 2023. "SynDLP is a dynamin-like protein of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 with eukaryotic features," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-17, December.

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