2020/11/25 by Sjoerd van Deventer, Abbey B. Arp, Annemiek B. van Spriel
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Engineering · #Electrohydrodynamics and Fluid Dynamics #Hemoglobin structure and function #Lipid Membrane Structure and Behavior
paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/j.tcb.2020.11.004
openalex publication_date 2020/11/25 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
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.