Title: Active Fluids and Emergent Structures : implications for the Active Composite Cell Surface

Abstract: Over the years we have shown that the organization and dynamics of many signaling molecules at the cell surface are locally controlled by their coupling to a thin cortical actomyosin layer, which actively drives local cell membrane composition and shape. Crucial to this engagement is the spontaneous emergence of localized contractile platforms in the 2dim active fluid. I will discuss our recent results on the steady states and dynamics of these “active colloids”. I will then discuss some implications for information processing in cells.