Abstract
Membrane protein organization is essential for proper cellular functioning and
the result of a dynamic exchange between protein monomers, nanoscale protein
clusters, and microscale higher-order structures. This exchange is affected by
both lipid bilayer intrinsic factors, such as lipid rafts and tetraspanins, and extrinsic factors, such as cortical actin and galectins. Because membrane organizers
act jointly like instruments in a symphony, it is challenging to define the ‘key’
organizers. Here, we posit, for the first time, definitions of key intrinsic and extrinsic
membrane organizers. Tetraspanin nanodomains are key organizers that are often
overlooked. We discuss how different key organizers can collaborate, which is
important to get a full grasp of plasma membrane biology.
the result of a dynamic exchange between protein monomers, nanoscale protein
clusters, and microscale higher-order structures. This exchange is affected by
both lipid bilayer intrinsic factors, such as lipid rafts and tetraspanins, and extrinsic factors, such as cortical actin and galectins. Because membrane organizers
act jointly like instruments in a symphony, it is challenging to define the ‘key’
organizers. Here, we posit, for the first time, definitions of key intrinsic and extrinsic
membrane organizers. Tetraspanin nanodomains are key organizers that are often
overlooked. We discuss how different key organizers can collaborate, which is
important to get a full grasp of plasma membrane biology.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 119-129 |
| Journal | Trends in Cell Biology |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 2021 |
| Externally published | Yes |