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Monomer depletion, pressure difference, and membrane tube radius reduction due to fiber polymerization in microspikes
1Multidisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre, School of Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
In many processes vital to life, the growth of biological fibers outwards from a membrane surface naturally produces membrane tube tethers or microspikes in biological cells. Here, we investigate the novel effect of pressure difference (due to monomer depletion) on the polymerization dynamics of biological fibers within long membrane tubes. We crucially find that fiber monomers become depleted close to the growing tip as the fiber polymerizes, thus reducing the local pressure, and hence decreasing the membrane tube radius at the tip. This process is found to slow the growth of the fiber, a process which becomes important when we go on to construct a dynamical theory for biopolymer growth in long, narrow tubes. Our result is interesting in that it emphasizes how "passive" biological transport mechanisms such as via pressure differences may play an important role in cell movements.
Insights
Biological fiber growth in membrane tubes is slowed by pressure differences from monomer depletion. This finding highlights the role of passive transport mechanisms in cell movement.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Biological fibers grow outwards from cell membranes, forming tethers and microspikes.
- These structures are crucial for various life processes.
- Understanding their growth dynamics is key to cell biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of pressure differences on biological fiber polymerization within membrane tubes.
- To analyze the impact of monomer depletion on fiber growth dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of biopolymer growth dynamics.
- Analysis of pressure differences arising from monomer depletion near the fiber tip.
Main Results:
- Fiber monomers deplete near the growing tip, reducing local pressure.
- Reduced pressure leads to a decrease in membrane tube radius at the tip.
- This pressure-induced effect significantly slows down fiber growth.
Conclusions:
- Passive biological transport mechanisms, like pressure differences, are critical in regulating biopolymer dynamics.
- These findings offer insights into cell movement and other cellular processes.
- The study provides a dynamical theory for biopolymer growth in confined environments.
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