Linkage between cell membrane proteins and actin-based cytoskeleton: the cytoskeletal-driven cellular functions S. Fais1, F. Luciani1, M. Logozzi2, S. Parlato1 and F. Lozupone1 Laboratories of 1Immunology and 2Virology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy Offprint requests to: Dr. Stefano Fais, MD, PhD, Laboratory of Immunology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy. Fax: 396.49387115 . e-mail: Fais@iss.it
Summary. Asymmetric organization of the plasma membrane and cytosolic organelles is fundamental for a variety of cells, including bacteria, yeast and eukaryotic cells (Nelson, 1992). The degree into which cells polarize is characterized by their ability to create and maintain morphologically and biochemically distinct plasma membrane domains. The generation and maintenance of polarized distribution of membrane components (proteins and lipids) is thus critical to the ability of cells to perform complex activities such as cell-to-cell interactions, vectorial transport and secretion, cellular immunity, development and morphogenesis. Modification of cellular polarity may potentially lead to abnormal cellular activities and various pathological disorders (Molitoris, 1991; Carone et al., 1994; Chen et al., 1995). Our review shows the complex interplay between membrane proteins and the cytoskeletal network in determining the "polarized phenotype" in the cell. We provide evidence that membrane/cytoskeleton interaction is the key to regulation of the vast majority of cellular functions. Histol. Histopathol. 15, 539-549 (2000)
Key words: Cytoskeleton,
Membrane, Skeleton, Polarization, RM, Membrane proteins DOI: 10.14670/HH-15.539 |