Exploring the shape deformation of biomembrane tubes with theoretical analysis and computer simulation

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Materials Science
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Membrane nanotubes are crucial for cellular processes.
• Understanding their shape dynamics is key to cell biology.
• Instabilities in tubular membranes can lead to various deformations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the shape deformation of membrane nanotubes.
• To analyze the factors influencing membrane tube instabilities.
• To classify the origins of deformation in different models.

Main Methods:

• Free energy analysis to study ideal states for pearling transition.
• Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations.
• Modeling osmotic pressure, area difference, and spontaneous curvature.

Main Results:

• Observed deformations include membrane pearling, buckling, and bulging.
• Deformation origins are classified into effective spontaneous curvature and membrane tension.
• Positive membrane tension is required for the pearling transition across models.

Conclusions:

• Membrane tube deformation is driven by effective spontaneous curvature and membrane tension.
• Different models can be coupled to effectively control membrane tube deformation.
• Findings provide insights into the physical mechanisms governing membrane nanotube morphology.