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CRY‐BAR: A versatile light‐gated tool for the remodeling of membrane architectures
Author(s) -
Wurz Anna I.,
Bunner Wyatt P.,
Szatmari Erzsebet M.,
Hughes Robert M.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.s1.r5154
Subject(s) - ezrin , amphiphysin , membrane curvature , bar (unit) , cytoskeleton , microbiology and biotechnology , function (biology) , chemistry , biology , membrane , cell , physics , lipid bilayer , endocytosis , biochemistry , dynamin , meteorology
BAR (Bin, Amphiphysin and Rvs) protein domains are responsible for the generation of membrane curvature and represent a critical mechanical component of cellular function. Thus, BAR domains have great potential as components of membrane‐remodeling tools for cell biologists. In this work, we describe the design and implementation of a versatile light‐gated I‐BAR domain containing tool (‘CRY‐BAR’) with applications in the remodeling of membrane architectures and the control of cellular dynamics. By taking advantage of the intrinsic membrane association of the I‐BAR domain, CRY‐BAR can be used for spatial and temporal control of cellular dynamics and the initiation of cellular protrusions. CRY‐BAR function is demonstrated in immortalized and primary cell lines; Ezrin, which acts as a relay between the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton, is implicated as an important mediator of switch function. Overall, CRY‐BAR holds promise as a widely applicable addition to the optogenetic toolkit.