Red Blood Cell Dynamics (IMAGE) Scripps Research Institute Caption The Fowler lab discovered that myosin (green) can bind actin (orange) to exert tension on the red blood cell membrane. This tension supports the function of red blood cells by maintaining their shape and deformability. Adapted from "Myosin IIA interacts with the spectrin-actin membrane skeleton to control red blood cell membrane curvature and deformability." (PNAS in press) Credit Fowler Lab, The Scripps Research Institute Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.