Dynamic membrane patterning, signal localization and polarity in living cells

Soft Matter. 2015 Feb 7;11(5):838-49. doi: 10.1039/c4sm02157f. Epub 2015 Jan 7.

Abstract

We review the molecular and physical aspects of the dynamic localization of signaling molecules on the plasma membranes of living cells. At the nanoscale, clusters of receptors and signaling proteins play an essential role in the processing of extracellular signals. At the microscale, "soft" and highly dynamic signaling domains control the interaction of individual cells with their environment. At the multicellular scale, individual polarity patterns control the forces that shape multicellular aggregates and tissues.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / physiology*
  • Cell Polarity / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Systems Analysis