title: Force-control at cellular membranes.
abstract: Force-regulation at cellular membranes relies on dynamic molecular platforms that integrate intra- and extracellular signals to control cell shape and function. To correctly respond to a continuously changing environment, activity of these platforms needs to be tightly controlled in space and time. Over the last few years, curvature-dependent mechano-chemical signal translation—a receptor-independent signaling mechanism where physical forces at the plasma membrane trigger nanoscale membrane deformations that are then translated into chemical signal transduction cascades—has emerged as a new signaling principle that cells use to regulate forces at the membrane. However, until recently, technical limitations have precluded studies of this force-induced curvature-dependent signaling at the physiological scale. Here, we comment on recent advancements that allow studying curvature-dependent signaling at membranes, and discuss processes where it may be involved in. Considering its general impact on cell function, a particular focus will be put on the curvature-dependence of feedback loops that control actin-based forces at cellular membranes.
authors.affiliation: a Cells-In-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 -CiM); University of Münster , Germany.
authors.forename: Milos
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galic
authors.forename: Isabell
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Begemann
authors.forename: Abhiyan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Viplav
authors.forename: Maja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matis
mesh_terms: D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans
keywords: actin; curvature; lipid; plasma membrane; signaling