Cellular membranes exhibit a fascinating variety of different morphologies, which are
continuously remodeled by transformations of membrane shape and topology. This …

In contrast to ordinary condensed matter systems,“living systems” are unique. They are
based on molecular compartments that reproduce themselves through (i) an uptake of …

The proliferation of life on earth is based on the ability of single cells to divide into two
daughter cells. During cell division, the plasma membrane undergoes a series of …

Vesicles consisting of a bilayer membrane of amphiphilic lipid molecules are remarkably
flexible surfaces that show an amazing variety of shapes of different symmetry and topology …

Budding and vesiculation are prominent shape transformations of fluid lipid-bilayer vesicles.
We discuss these transitions within the context of a curvature model which contains two …

Dynamin, best studied for its role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis, is the prototypical
member of a family of multidomain GTPases involved in fission and remodeling of multiple …

Phase separation within the lipid bilayer of vesicles can lead to the formation of domains that
affect the equilibrium shape of these vesicles. As a result of the competition between the …

When a colloidal particle adheres to a fluid membrane, it induces elastic deformations in the
membrane which oppose its own binding. The structural and energetic aspects of this …

The GTPase dynamin is critically involved in membrane fission during endocytosis. How
does dynamin use the energy of GTP hydrolysis for membrane remodeling? By monitoring …

The adhesion and engulfment of nanoparticles by biomembranes is essential for many
processes such as biomedical imaging, drug delivery, nanotoxicity, and viral infection. Many …