Systems biology of cellular membranes: a convergence with biophysics
Abstract
Systems biology and systems medicine have played an important role in the last two decades in shaping our understanding of biological processes. While systems biology is synonymous with network maps and ‘‐omics’ approaches, it is not often associated with mechanical processes. Here, we make the case for considering the mechanical and geometrical aspects of biological membranes as a key step in pushing the frontiers of systems biology of cellular membranes forward. We begin by introducing the basic components of cellular membranes, and highlight their dynamical aspects. We then survey the functions of the plasma membrane and the endomembrane system in signaling, and discuss the role and origin of membrane curvature in these diverse cellular processes. We further give an overview of the experimental and modeling approaches to study membrane phenomena. We close with a perspective on the converging futures of systems biology and membrane biophysics, invoking the need to include physical variables such as location and geometry in the study of cellular membranes. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1386. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1386
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2017
- Source ID
- 10.1002/wsbm.1386
Entities
People
- Jeanne C. Stachowiak
- Morgan Chabanon
- Padmini Rangamani
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- National Institutes of Health
- National Science Foundation
- University of California, San Diego
- University of Texas at Austin