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Related Concept Videos

Mechanisms of Membrane-bending01:15

Mechanisms of Membrane-bending

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The living membranes are flexible due to their fluid mosaic nature; however, their bending into different shapes is an active process regulated by specific lipids and proteins. The membrane bending can be transient as seen in vesicles or stable for a long time as in microvilli. Cells regulate the size, location, and duration of the membrane curvature.
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Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
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Different physical properties of lipids and proteins allow them to localize and form distinct islands or domains in the membrane. Some membrane domains are formed due to protein-protein interactions, whereas others are formed due to the presence of specific lipids such as sphingolipids and sterols—for example, large proteins, such as bacteriorhodopsin, aggregate and create distinct domains.
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Cells migrating in response to external stimuli form lamellipodia, which are thin membrane protrusions supported by a mesh of linked, branched, or unbranched actin filaments. These actin filaments interact with myosin motor proteins, creating the dynamic actomyosin complex within the cytoskeleton. Contractility, or the ability to generate contractile stress, is inherent to the actomyosin complex. It helps cells detect the stiffness of the surrounding ECM and exert contractile force for...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Measuring Properties of the Membrane Periodic Skeleton of the Axon Initial Segment using 3D-Structured Illumination Microscopy 3D-SIM
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Membrane mechanics dictate axonal pearls-on-a-string morphology and function.

Jacqueline M Griswold1, Mayte Bonilla-Quintana2, Renee Pepper1

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.

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|December 2, 2024
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Summary

Unmyelinated axons exhibit a unique "nanopearl" morphology, resembling beads on a string. This structure is dictated by membrane mechanics and influences nerve signal conduction.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Axons are critical for nerve signal transmission, but the factors determining their complex morphology remain largely unknown.
  • Understanding axon structure is essential for comprehending neuronal function and dysfunction in neurological diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms underlying the morphological determination of unmyelinated axons in the central nervous system.
  • To explore the relationship between axon morphology, membrane biophysics, and action potential conduction.

Main Methods:

  • Microscopy and in silico modeling were used to analyze the morphology of mouse central nervous system unmyelinated axons.
  • Experiments involved manipulating membrane properties using various chemical treatments and observing effects on axon morphology.
  • Neuronal activity was modulated to assess its impact on axon morphology and function.

Main Results:

  • Unmyelinated axons display a 'nanopearl' structure, characterized by periodic nanoscopic varicosities along their length.
  • Axon nanopearling is significantly influenced by membrane mechanical properties, as demonstrated by experimental perturbations.
  • Neuronal activity alters plasma membrane cholesterol, affecting axon morphology and slowing action potential conduction velocity.

Conclusions:

  • Biophysical forces, particularly membrane mechanics, are key determinants of unmyelinated axon morphology and function.
  • Axon nanopearling represents a novel form of axonal plasticity regulated by membrane properties.
  • These findings provide new insights into the regulation of neuronal structure and function.