A reduced SNARE model for membrane fusion.

Let's get together: A minimal model system was developed to mimic the SNARE-protein-mediated fusion of biological membranes (see picture). Fusion between two populations of liposomes is controlled by a pair of complementary lipidated oligopeptides that form noncovalent coiled-coil complexes and thereby force the membranes into close proximity to promote fusion. The model system displays the key characteristics of in vivo fusion events.

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