Tobacco mosaic virus protein induces fusion of liposome membranes.

The fusogenic properties of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) coat protein were investigated. Tobacco mosaic virus protein induces membrane fusion of a population of L-alpha-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and DL-alpha-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) vesicles giving rise to larger particles as seen by a drastic absorbance increase of the liposomal solution. Differential scanning calorimetry spectra demonstrate complete mixing of the acyl chains of the lipids during fusion. Electron micrographs indicate that the fused entities are multilamellar.