Abstract
Membrane fusion and fission reactions are two antagonistic processes involved in several important biological functions, including intracellular and intercellular communication, viral infection, and the maintenance of shape and function of the mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum networks. Both reactions imply transient membrane remodeling events requiring a high energy input to overcome the intrinsic stability of the membrane lipid bilayer structure. This energy is provided by specialized proteins that accompany membranes on their path to fusion/fission. In this chapter, we present the physical principles of membrane fusion and fission reactions, review the several mechanisms used by specific proteins to mediate membrane fusion and fission, and emphasize the common strategies employed by these proteins to manipulate lipid bilayers during fusion/fission events.
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