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Membrane expansion increases endocytosis rate during mitosis
1Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
The Journal of Cell Biology
|February 11, 1999
Summary
During cell division (mitosis), endocytosis is inhibited by increased membrane tension. Amphiphilic compounds reduce this tension, restoring endocytosis to normal levels and revealing membrane tension as a key regulator.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Endocytosis, a vital cellular process, is significantly inhibited during mammalian cell mitosis.
- The underlying mechanisms for this mitotic endocytosis inhibition are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plasma membrane tension in regulating endocytosis during mitosis.
- To determine if altering membrane tension can restore endocytosis in mitotic cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized laser tweezers to measure plasma membrane tension by analyzing the force exerted by membrane tethers.
- Applied amphiphilic compounds (detergents, solvents) to mitotic cells to observe effects on endocytosis rates.
- Correlated changes in membrane tension with alterations in endocytosis rates.
Main Results:
- Plasma membrane tension increases during mitosis, correlating with decreased endocytosis rates.
- Amphiphilic compounds reduced membrane tension and proportionally increased endocytosis rates.
- Specific detergent (deoxycholate) restored endocytosis to interphase levels by normalizing membrane tension.
Conclusions:
- Increased plasma membrane tension is a primary inhibitor of endocytosis during mitosis.
- Membrane tension acts as a critical regulator of endocytosis, and its modulation can alter rates.
- Elevated membrane tension may also contribute to cell rounding and inhibited motility during mitosis.
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