Fusion Pore Diameter Regulation by Cations Modulating Local Membrane Anisotropy
Figure 5
The effects of changes in cation concentration in the vesicle on the rhythmic opening and closure of the fusion pore. Cell-attached patch-clamp recordings (capacitance trace) following the application of a cAMP-increasing agent demonstrate fast rhythmic opening and closure of an individual fusion pore (a). Note that the capacitance change between closed and open fusion pore states is about 5 fF. Numerical simulations demonstrating the time dynamics of the pore radius () (b). Note the abrupt opening and closure of the fusion pore. The membrane force derived from the membrane bending energy is exerted along the perpendicular direction to the major axis of the fusion pore (see arrows). The cation concentration dynamics includes the efflux through the fusion pore and the influx through the vesicle membrane (c).
