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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Cell Membrane Repair Assay Using a Two-photon Laser Microscope

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Published on: January 2, 2018

Plasma membrane disruption: repair, prevention, adaptation.

Paul L McNeil¹, Richard A Steinhardt

¹Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA. pmcneil@mail.mcg.edu

Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology

|October 23, 2003

Summary

Cells must rapidly repair plasma membrane disruptions using endomembrane delivery via exocytosis. Structural adaptations and dynamic responses prevent damage, with failures leading to disease.

Keywords:

NASA Discipline Cell Biology NASA Program Fundamental Space Biology Non-NASA Center

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A Thermoplasmonic Approach for Investigating Plasma Membrane Repair in Living Cells and Model Membranes

A Thermoplasmonic Approach for Investigating Plasma Membrane Repair in Living Cells and Model Membranes

Published on: January 19, 2024

Area of Science:

Cell biology
Biophysics
Mechanobiology

Background:

Metazoan cells frequently encounter mechanical stress, leading to plasma membrane disruptions.
Cell survival depends on rapid and efficient repair mechanisms for these disruptions.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying rapid plasma membrane resealing.
To investigate the roles of endomembrane, cytoskeletal proteins, and exocytosis in repair.
To understand cellular and tissue-level strategies for preventing membrane damage.

Main Methods:

The study focuses on the structural and molecular aspects of membrane repair, drawing on established knowledge of cellular processes.
It examines the role of endomembrane delivery through calcium-triggered exocytosis.
It also analyzes the contribution of cellular architecture and protein-based structures in force transmission and prevention.

Main Results:

Rapid resealing of plasma membrane disruptions is an active process.
Endomembrane serves as the primary building material for repair.
Cytoskeletal and membrane fusion proteins act as catalysts in the resealing process.
Exocytosis, a calcium-dependent response, delivers endomembrane to the damage site.
Cellular and tissue architecture provide mechanical protection and facilitate safe force transmission.
Dynamic adaptations to mechanical stress contribute to damage prevention.

Conclusions:

Effective plasma membrane repair is crucial for cell survival in mechanically stressful environments.
A combination of active resealing and passive prevention mechanisms ensures membrane integrity.
Failure in either repair or prevention pathways can lead to disease states.