2023/09/25 by Xarxa Quiroga, Nikhil Walani, Andrea Disanza +10 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Cellular Mechanics and Interactions #Erythrocyte Function and Pathophysiology #Lipid Membrane Structure and Behavior
paper · doi:10.7554/elife.72316
openalex publication_date 2023/09/25 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
As cells migrate and experience forces from their surroundings, they constantly undergo mechanical deformations which reshape their plasma membrane (PM). To maintain homeostasis, cells need to detect and restore such changes, not only in terms of overall PM area and tension as previously described, but also in terms of local, nanoscale topography. Here, we describe a novel phenomenon, by which cells sense and restore mechanically induced PM nanoscale deformations. We show that cell stretch and subsequent compression reshape the PM in a way that generates local membrane evaginations in the 100 nm scale. These evaginations are recognized by I-BAR proteins, which triggers a burst of actin polymerization mediated by Rac1 and Arp2/3. The actin polymerization burst subsequently re-flattens the evagination, completing the mechanochemical feedback loop. Our results demonstrate a new mechanosensing mechanism for PM shape homeostasis, with potential applicability in different physiological scenarios.