Biological Membrane Organization and Cellular Signaling

2019/02/12 by Xiaolin Cheng, Jeremy C. Smith · 190 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Chemistry · #Biochemistry #Biological membrane #Biology #Biophysics #Cell biology #Cell membrane #Cell signaling #Cellular transport and secretion #Chemistry #Context (archaeology) #Function (biology) #Integral membrane protein #Lipid Membrane Structure and Behavior #Materials science #Membrane #Membrane biology #Membrane biophysics #Membrane protein #Nanotechnology #Peripheral membrane protein #RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms #Raft #Signal transduction

paper · open access · doi:10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00439

published in Chemical Reviews 119(9), 5849-5880 (American Chemical Society)

openalex publication_date 2019/02/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05

Abstract

To execute their many vital functions, cell membranes are highly organized. Here, we review how membrane structure shapes signal transduction across membranes. Recent experimental and computational advances have shed significant light on mechanisms linking the function of membrane signaling proteins to the composition and physical properties of the membrane lateral structures in which they are embedded. We provide an overview of the structural characteristics of membranes containing heterogeneous mixtures of lipids and other molecules and summarize work on "raft" domains in model and cell membranes, as determined by microscopy, spectroscopy, neutron scattering, and computer simulations. We discuss the principles of partitioning of proteins into membranes and how the structure, dynamics, and function of membrane-embedded and peripheral proteins can be modulated by specific membrane components and physical properties of membranes and raft domains. Finally, we discuss challenges and future directions toward a molecular-level understanding of how membrane organization gives rise to various context-dependent cellular signaling.

Citations

• Two-Photon Fluorescence Microscopy Observation of Shape Changes at the Phase Transition in Phospholipid Giant Unilamellar Vesicles
• Lipid Rafts Reconstituted in Model Membranes

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