Dr. Nir Gov, Department of Chemical Physics,
Weizmann Institute 

Date: Mar. 25, 2007

Title: Surfing the membranes of cells: how cells make fingers, waves
and divide

Abstract:

We present a theoretical model which couples the shape of the cell
membrane with the forces produced in the cytoskeleton. The
polymerization of actin proteins into filaments is activated at the
cell membrane by freely diffusing membrane proteins, that in turn may
have a distinct spontaneous curvature. This polymerization produces
protrusive forces, while molecular motors contribute contractile
forces. We solve our model in the linear limit, which allows us to
derive analytic solutions. Our results show that using convex membrane
proteins the cell can produce finger-like protrusions and propagating
membrane waves.  Using concave membrane proteins the cell can drive
its division, the final act of replicating life.