Clathrin Senses Membrane Curvature

Abstract

The ability of proteins to assemble at sites of high membrane curvature is essential for various membrane remodeling processes, including clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This endocytic process is facilitated by a network of multivalent adaptor proteins that bind to the plasma membrane surface. Many of these adaptor proteins have been shown to sense regions of high membrane curvature, leading to local recruitment of the clathrin coat. Because clathrin does not bind to the membrane directly, it has remained unclear whether the clathrin coat plays an active role in sensing membrane curvature or is passively recruited by adaptor proteins.