Design principles for robust vesiculation in clathrin-mediated endocytosis

Abstract

Plasma membrane tension plays an important role in various biological processes. In particular, recent experimental studies have shown that membrane tension inhibits membrane budding processes like clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We have identified a mathematical relationship between the curvature-generating capability of the protein coat and membrane tension that can predict whether the coat alone is sufficient to produce closed buds. Additionally, we show that a combination of increased coat rigidity and applied force from actin polymerization can produce closed buds at high membrane tensions. These findings are general to any membrane-budding process, suggesting that biology has evolved to take advantage of a set of physical design principles to ensure robust vesicle formation across a range of organisms and mechanical environments.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jan 26, 2017
Source ID
10.1073/pnas.1617705114

Entities

People

  • David G Drubin
  • George Oster
  • Julian E. Hassinger
  • Padmini Rangamani

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Science Foundation
  • University of California, San Diego

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Structural Dynamics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design