Chapter 14 Topographic Display of Cell Surface Components and their Role in Transmembrane Signaling

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the topographic control of cell surface receptors and their role in transmembrane signaling. Complex patterns of embryonic development in higher organisms demand the evolution of special mechanisms to regulate cell–cell interactions, cell communication, cell positioning, cell movement, and cell proliferation. The signals, which bring about and control these phenomena to an overwhelming degree, operate through specific receptors at the cell surface. The receipt of information at the cell surface occurs via interaction of soluble ligands or macromolecular structures borne by adjacent cells, with specific receptors leading to direct or indirect transmembrane-mediated communication. Direct transmembrane-mediated communication is envisioned as an entry of ligands such as ions and small molecules into cells. Because there is a wide body of evidence that indicates that surface receptors can have unique displays, distributions, or mobilities on the cell surface, controlling mechanisms must exist that govern cell surface dynamics and the display of surface receptors. Cell surface receptors are mobile in the membrane; however, their movement can be restricted by several mechanisms. Transmembrane control over the display, topography, and dynamics of cell surface receptors by membrane-associated cytoskeletal assemblages, such as microtubules and microfilaments, is one of the most common mechanisms of cell surface receptor control.