Fig. 8: Model of RCD-1 pore formation and bending membrane.
From: Mechanisms of RCD-1 pore formation and membrane bending
(i) RCD-1-1 and RCD-1-2 coactivated to form heterodimers. (ii-iv) These dimers oligomerize into mobile arc-, slit- and ring-shaped mobile structures before penetration into the membrane to initiate pore formation. (v-vi) The dimers oligomerize into immobile arc-, slit- and ring-shaped oligomers which have penetrated the membrane and continue assembling until a stable pore is formed. (vii) Membrane bending occurs when dimers bind to a membrane with low bending modulus, particularly in areas with membrane defects or pores.
