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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

The Mechanics of Poro-Elastic Contractile Actomyosin Networks As a Model System of the Cell Cytoskeleton
Published on: March 10, 2023
Using Force to Punch Holes: Mechanics of Contractile Nanomachines
Maximilian Brackmann1, Sergey Nazarov1, Jing Wang1
1Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Using physical force to translocate macromolecules across a membrane has the advantage of being a universal solution independent of the properties of the target membrane. However, physically punching a stiff membrane is not a trivial task and three things are necessary for success: a sharp tip, a source of energy, and the ability to strongly bind to the target. In this review we describe the basic mechanism of membrane puncturing by contractile nanomachines with a focus on the T4 phage, R-type pyocin, and the bacterial Type VI secretion system (T6SS) based on recent studies of the structures and dynamics of their assembly.
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