Yet, despite substantial advancements over the last few decades, we are still lacking a comprehensive understanding of membrane mechanics at the cell surface. These studies established that biomechanical requirements vary across species and subcellular sites, indicative of tremendous diversity and adaptability ( Vasanji et al., 2004 van Meer et al., 2008). It is therefore not surprising that it has over the last decades been the subject of extensive studies, giving insights into a fascinating world of regulatory processes that control localization and activity of proteins and lipids in cellular membranes ( Singer and Nicolson, 1972 Edidin et al., 1991 Eggeling et al., 2009).
The cellular membrane is one of the most vital and complex biomaterials in live matter. We further muse how pathological changes in material properties affect membrane mechanics and cell function, before closing with open questions and future challenges arising when studying cellular membranes.
Using a hypothetical composite material, we identify core challenges, and discuss how cellular membranes solved these tasks. Central to its adaptability at the cell surface is the interplay between the plasma membrane and the adjacent cell cortex, forming an adaptive composite material that dynamically adjusts its mechanical properties. For instance, its biomechanical requirements substantially vary across species and subcellular sites, raising the question how membranes manage to adjust to such dramatic changes. 2Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Müenster, Münster, GermanyĬellular membranes belong to the most vital yet least understood biomaterials of live matter.
1Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.Lucas Lamparter 1,2† and Milos Galic 1,2*†
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