Vesicle scission: Dynamin

Dynamin is a large GTPase involved in endocytic vesicle formation, but its exact role and mechanism are subjects of long-standing debate. Despite recent advances in the structural analyses of isolated dynamin domains and the faithful reconstitution of dynamin-dependent membrane fission in model membrane systems, the mechanism of its action remains poorly understood at the molecular level. Here, I will review current progress in elucidating dynamin action in vesicle scission and highlight the most visible gaps in knowledge that limit the development of a coherent and complete model for its role in vesicle biogenesis. Coordinated functions of BAR domain-containing binding partners are also discussed.