Author:
Torbati Mehdi,Lele Tanmay P.,Agrawal Ashutosh
Abstract
The nuclear envelope is a unique topological structure formed by lipid membranes in eukaryotic cells. Unlike other membrane structures, the nuclear envelope comprises two concentric membrane shells fused at numerous sites with toroid-shaped pores that impart a “geometric” genus on the order of thousands. Despite the intriguing architecture and vital biological functions of the nuclear membranes, how they achieve and maintain such a unique arrangement remains unknown. Here, we used the theory of elasticity and differential geometry to analyze the equilibrium shape and stability of this structure. Our results show that modest in- and out-of-plane stresses present in the membranes not only can define the pore geometry, but also provide a mechanism for destabilizing membranes beyond a critical size and set the stage for the formation of new pores. Our results suggest a mechanism wherein nanoscale buckling instabilities can define the global topology of a nuclear envelope-like structure.
Funder
National Science Foundation
HHS | NIH | National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
HHS | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Publisher
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Cited by
21 articles.
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