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  • Open Access

Curvature Instability of an Active Gel Growing on a Wavy Membrane

Kristiana Mihali*, Dennis Wörthmüller*, and Pierre Sens†

  • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
  • †Contact author: pierre.sens@curie.fr
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 258401 – Published 25 June, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/xzkp-f581

Abstract

Cell shape changes are largely controlled by the actin cytoskeleton, a dynamic filament network beneath the plasma membrane. Several cell types can form extended freestanding protrusions not supported by an extracellular substrate or matrix, and regulated by proteins sensitive to the cell membrane curvature that modulate cytoskeletal dynamics. To gain insight into this process, we develop a theoretical model for the mechanics of a freestanding viscous actin network growing on a corrugated membrane. The model couples the dynamics of the viscous active gel with membrane deformation and the recruitment of curvature-sensitive actin nucleators. We show that an actin layer polymerising uniformly on the membrane always exerts a stabilizing effect that reduces membrane deformation. However, curvature-sensitive actin nucleator proteins can render the membrane linearly unstable, depending on the interplay between membrane and actin dynamics, giving rise to spontaneous membrane deformation which could initiate extended freestanding cellular protrusion.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 258401– Published 25 June, 2026
  • Received 20 October 2025
  • Accepted 29 April 2026
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