Mesoscopic modeling of membranes at cellular scale

Cellular membranes span a wide range of spatio-temporal scales from sub-microsecond dynamics of lipid molecules and intra-membrane proteins to multi-minute deformations of the whole cell. Since no single simulation method would cover all these scales, there exists a variety of membrane modeling techniques, each presenting unique advantages for addressing a diverse range of scientific questions. This review focuses on current advances in mesoscopic models that represent membranes as two-dimensional surfaces with selected mechanical properties. Two categories of approaches are considered, including fluid membrane (e.g., lipid bilayer) and polymerized membrane (e.g., red blood cell) models. Both particle-based and continuum models for these two classes of membranes are discussed. To illustrate the potential of these models, several examples from recent simulation studies are presented, including equilibrium and non-equilibrium membrane structures, membrane remodeling, and deformation in fluid flow. Finally, we briefly discuss further developments related to these membrane models.