Signalling proteins are key regulators of basic cell physiology and tissues\nmorphogenesis. Whilst signalling proteins are paramount for the cell to function optimally,\ntheir down regulation or inhibition is also central to tune the cell and its environment. One\nprocess involved in this tuning mechanism is membrane budding, otherwise known as\nendocytosis. The origin of the physical force driving the budding process and endocytosis\nhas been the subject of much controversy. After two decades the budding process is now\nwell described and it is acknowledged that fundamental principles from soft matter physics\nare at play. This opens a new window for understanding gene regulations, pharmacokinetic\nand multi drug resistance in cancer. This review recalls the first steps that have led to a better\nunderstanding of cell biology through the use of physics and; how the use of physics has\nshed light in areas of cell biology, cancer and pharmacology. It is, therefore, not a review of\nthe many enzymes involved in membrane vesiculation and membrane curvature; it is more\nof an historical account.
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