Abstract
During clathrin-mediated endocytosis in eukaryotes, actin assembly is required to overcome large membrane tension and turgor pressure. However, the molecular mechanisms that enable the actin machinery to adapt to varying membrane tension remain unclear. Here, we used quantitative microscopy to determine that, upon increased membrane tension, the endocytic actin machinery of fission yeast cells rapidly adapts. We also demonstrate that cells rapidly reduce their membrane tension using three parallel mechanisms. In addition to using their cell wall for mechanical protection, yeast cells disassemble eisosomes to buffer moderate changes in membrane tension on a minute time scale. Meanwhile, a temporary reduction of the rate of endocytosis for 2 to 6 minutes, and an increase in the rate of exocytosis for at least 5 minutes allow cells to add large pools of membrane to the plasma membrane. Our study sheds light on the tight connection between membrane tension regulation, endocytosis and exocytosis in yeast, which are likely conserved among eukaryotes.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.