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I / Homeostasis · Cellular maintenance · 01
Membrane morphogenesis
How can a thin membrane create a new organelle?
01 / The Central Question
During autophagy, a thin membrane starts as an open sheet, bends into a cup, and closes around material for recycling. We explore how the membrane's flexibility and the proteins acting on it shape this process.
If membranes do not form the right shapes, cells may have trouble enclosing unwanted material for recycling. Understanding this process also helps us study cellular problems linked to impaired autophagy.
02 / Mechanisms & Discoveries
How these processes work
Choose a question below to read how the process works, what research has shown and which questions remain open. Each explanation also links to the original papers and press releases.
01 / 04How flexible membranes acquire their shapesWhy can the same membrane become flat, cup-shaped or round?Read the explanation02 / 04Explaining observed 3D shapes with physical modelsCan measurements of actual membranes test a model of how they bend?Read the explanation03 / 04Keeping the opening wide during membrane enclosureHow can a growing membrane keep enough room to take in cell material?Read the explanation04 / 04How lipid supply supports membrane growthWhere does the material for expanding a new membrane come from?Read the explanation