Junglas et al. probe into the mechanism of membrane stabilization by the inner membrane-associated protein of 30 kDa (IM30), a member of the phage shock protein A (PspA) family, and report that ring-shaped IM30 super-complexes disassemble upon binding to negatively charged membrane surfaces, involving partly unfolding of the monomers and formation of a membrane-protecting carpet. This study highlights the structural role of intrinsically disordered proteins in membrane stabilization.
- Benedikt Junglas
- Roberto Orru
- Dirk Schneider
