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Formation of transmembrane tubules by spontaneous polymerization of the hydrophilic complement protein C9

Nature volume 298, pages 534–538 (1982)Cite this article

Abstract

The ninth component of complement C9 can undergo circular polymerization in the fluid phase and on lipid membranes. The concomitant hydrophilic–amphiphilic transition is the result of a conformational reorganization of C9 and allows insertion of poly C9 into membranes in the form of a transmembrane protein channel. The ultrastructure of poly C9 resembles that of membrane lesions caused by complement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute of Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA

    Jürg Tschopp, Hans J. Müller-Eberhard & Eckhard R. Podack

Authors
  1. Jürg Tschopp
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  2. Hans J. Müller-Eberhard
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  3. Eckhard R. Podack
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Tschopp, J., Müller-Eberhard, H. & Podack, E. Formation of transmembrane tubules by spontaneous polymerization of the hydrophilic complement protein C9. Nature 298, 534–538 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/298534a0

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