Interplay between membrane curvature and the actin cytoskeleton

Abstract

An intimate interplay of the plasma membrane with curvature-sensing and curvature-inducing proteins would allow for defining specific sites or nanodomains of action at the plasma membrane, for example, for protrusion, invagination, and polarization. In addition, such connections are predestined to ensure spatial and temporal order and sequences. The combined forces of membrane shapers and the cortical actin cytoskeleton might hereby in particular be required to overcome the strong resistance against membrane rearrangements in case of high plasma membrane tension or cellular turgor. Interestingly, also the opposite might be necessary, the inhibition of both membrane shapers and cytoskeletal reinforcement structures to relieve membrane tension to protect cells from membrane damage and rupturing during mechanical stress. In this review article, we discuss recent conceptual advances enlightening the interplay of plasma membrane curvature and the cortical actin cytoskeleton during endocytosis, modulations of membrane tensions, and the shaping of entire cells.