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

Nature. 1982 Aug 5;298(5874):534-8. doi: 10.1038/298534a0.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Chemical Phenomena
  • Chemistry
  • Complement Activation
  • Complement C9 / metabolism*
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Models, Biological
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Complement C9
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Macromolecular Substances