Publication
Clustering on Membranes: Fluctuations and More
Abstract
Clustering of extracellular ligands and proteins on the plasma membrane is required to perform specific cellular functions, such as signaling and endocy- tosis. Attractive forces that originate in perturbations of the membrane’s phys- ical properties contribute to this clustering, in addition to direct protein–protein interactions. However, these membrane-mediated forces have not all been equally considered, despite their importance. In this review, we describe how line tension, lipid depletion, and membrane curvature contribute to mem- brane-mediated clustering. Additional attractive forces that arise from protein- induced perturbation of a membrane’s fluctuations are also described. This review aims to provide a survey of the current understanding of membrane- mediated clustering and how this supports precise biological functions.
Official source
About this result
This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.
Ontological neighbourhood
Related concepts (32)
Cell membrane
The cell membrane (also known as the plasma membrane or cytoplasmic membrane, and historically referred to as the plasmalemma) is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of a cell from the outside environment (the extracellular space). The cell membrane consists of a lipid bilayer, made up of two layers of phospholipids with cholesterols (a lipid component) interspersed between them, maintaining appropriate membrane fluidity at various temperatures.
Semipermeable membrane
Semipermeable membrane is a type of biological or synthetic, polymeric membrane that will allow certain molecules or ions to pass through it by osmosis. The rate of passage depends on the pressure, concentration, and temperature of the molecules or solutes on either side, as well as the permeability of the membrane to each solute. Depending on the membrane and the solute, permeability may depend on solute size, solubility, properties, or chemistry. How the membrane is constructed to be selective in its permeability will determine the rate and the permeability.
Lipid bilayer
The lipid bilayer (or phospholipid bilayer) is a thin polar membrane made of two layers of lipid molecules. These membranes are flat sheets that form a continuous barrier around all cells. The cell membranes of almost all organisms and many viruses are made of a lipid bilayer, as are the nuclear membrane surrounding the cell nucleus, and membranes of the membrane-bound organelles in the cell. The lipid bilayer is the barrier that keeps ions, proteins and other molecules where they are needed and prevents them from diffusing into areas where they should not be.
Related publications (45)
Effects of thermal, mechanical, and electrostatic perturbations on lipid membrane hydration investigated by second harmonic imaging
Hydrated lipid bilayer membranes are crucial components of cells and organelles, serving as the outer boundary that separates the cellular components from the extracellular environment. Lipid membranes regulate their structures and functions by dynamically ...
EPFL2023Second harmonic scattering of water in a biological context
Water is one of the most abundant molecules in the universe. It forms a hydrogen bond network with unique structure and dynamics. Hydrogen bonding is highly relevant to many biological processes including membrane formation, protein folding, adsorption, an ...
EPFL2022De novo developed small cyclic peptides that are orally available
Cyclic peptides are ring-shaped molecules that emerged as a promising class of therapeutics. While it is often difficult to find small molecule binders for challenging disease targets, cyclic peptides can bind to featureless surfaces or inhibit protein-pro ...
EPFL2022Related MOOCs (11)
Water quality and the biogeochemical engine
Learn about how the quality of water is a direct result of complex bio-geo-chemical interactions, and about how to use these processes to mitigate water quality issues.
Simulation Neurocience
Learn how to digitally reconstruct a single neuron to better study the biological mechanisms of brain function, behaviour and disease.
Simulation Neurocience
Learn how to digitally reconstruct a single neuron to better study the biological mechanisms of brain function, behaviour and disease.