On the role of lipid-bilayer elasticity for the lipid-protein interaction and the indirect protein-protein coupling.

The present paper deals with the curvature (or splay) elasticity of lipid bilayers and its possible consequences for the microscopic organization of membranes. Experimental studies of the microstructure of lipid-lipid and lipid-protein mixtures are reported and discussed in terms of this type of membrane elasticity. In particular, evidence is provided that the elastic distortion of lipid bilayers caused by the incorporation of proteins can lead to mechanisms of the indirect protein-protein interaction. Finally the question is discussed whether these mechanisms could also play a role for the formation of enzyme complexes in biological membranes.