Current experimental evidence suggests that the merging of two closely apposed lipid bilayers to form one continuum is mediated by specific fusion proteins. The dissection of the molecular pathways eventually leading to membrane merging can be accomplished by various approaches, including genetic, immunological, biochemical, or biophysical technology. However, our understanding of the mechanisms of biological membrane fusion is still rudimentary, and in this context, the use of artificial membranes such as liposomes and model peptide systems is of great value to simulate proteininduced fusion.
