Mechanics of the Membrane-Cortex Attachment

The interaction between the cell membrane and the underlying actomyosin cortex is vital for various cell functions and survival.

This project aims to delve deeper into the intricate mechanics that govern the interaction between the plasma membrane and the cortex, which collectively constitute the cell surface in many cell types.

Despite the prevailing view that the cortex completely dominates cell surface mechanics due to its increased tension, this research project aims to challenge that notion.

A fundamental aspect influencing cell surface mechanics is the binding strength and dynamics between the membrane and the cortex, facilitated by membrane-cortex junction proteins (MCAs), such as ERM proteins.

MCA distribution is influenced by local cortical contractions and protrusions, driven by cortical flows, which in turn may affect membrane tension and MCA dynamics. This project aims to build a comprehensive theoretical framework for cortex-membrane interaction.

The framework will include several key physical elements, such as membrane and cortex mechanics, junctional dynamics, interaction with surrounding fluids, and thermal fluctuations, so that it can be applied to multiple cell types and processes.

In addition, the physical model will be implemented numerically using phase field methodology to achieve accurate predictions, being open source.

These predictions will be used to guide experimental measurements to better understand cell migration in neutrophils through a collaboration.

This framework and simulations will help us discover new biomechanical loops essential for the emergence and migration of cell polarity.

This research project is expected to have a lasting scientific impact on the field of mechanobiology by proposing a clear and generic biophysical picture of the membrane-cortex interaction and help propel my career path to become a leader in the physical modeling of the cellular mechanics.