Mechanotransduction through membrane tension: It's all about propagation?

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2023 Dec 14;86:102294. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102294. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTOver the past 25 years, membrane tension has emerged as a primary mechanical factor influencing cell behavior. Although supporting evidences are accumulating, the integration of this parameter in the lifecycle of cells, organs, and tissues is complex. The plasma membrane is envisioned as a bilayer continuum acting as a 2D fluid. However, it possesses almost infinite combinations of proteins, lipids, and glycans that establish interactions with the extracellular or intracellular environments. This results in a tridimensional composite material with non-trivial dynamics and physics, and the task of integrating membrane mechanics and cellular outcome is a daunting chore for biologists. In light of the most recent discoveries, we aim in this review to provide non-specialist readers some tips on how to solve this conundrum.PMID:38101114 | DOI:10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102294
Source: Current Opinion in Cell Biology - Category: Cytology Authors: Source Type: research