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Membrane waves driven by actin and Myosin.

R Shlomovitz¹, N S Gov

¹Department of Chemical Physics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, P.O. Box 26, Rehovot, Israel 76100.

Physical Review Letters

|May 16, 2007

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We developed a model linking membrane dynamics to actin polymerization and myosin motor forces. This model predicts robust membrane waves driven by myosin activity, consistent with cellular observations.

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Cell Biology
Computational Biology

Background:

Cellular membranes undergo dynamic shape changes driven by internal forces.
Actin polymerization and myosin motor activity are key regulators of cell mechanics and morphology.

Purpose of the Study:

To model the interplay between membrane properties, actin polymerization, and myosin contractility.
To investigate the emergence of membrane dynamics, specifically transverse waves, from these coupled forces.

Main Methods:

Developed a theoretical model coupling membrane mechanics with protrusive (actin polymerization) and contractile (myosin motors) forces.
Incorporated freely diffusing membrane proteins with spontaneous curvature to activate actin polymerization.
Modeled myosin motor recruitment from a constant reservoir and their contractile force generation.

Related Experiment Videos

Analyzed the system in the linear limit for all forces and variables.

Main Results:

Demonstrated that convex membrane proteins, when coupled with myosin activity, generate robust transverse membrane waves.
The model successfully reproduces wave-like membrane deformations similar to those observed experimentally in various cell types.
Showcased the critical role of myosin activity in driving these emergent wave phenomena.

Conclusions:

The presented model provides a mechanistic explanation for transverse membrane wave formation.
Highlights the significance of coupled actin-myosin dynamics and membrane protein curvature in cellular mechanics.
Offers a framework for understanding force generation and membrane remodeling in biological systems.