Insights into cellular signaling from membrane dynamics

Biological membranes allow morphological compartmentalization of cells and represent complex micro heterogeneous fluids exhibiting a range of dynamics. The plasma membrane occupies a central place in cellular signaling which allows the cell to perform a variety of functions. In this review, we analyze cellular signaling in a dynamic biophysical framework guided by the ?mobile receptor hypothesis?. We describe a variety of examples from literature in which lateral diffusion of signaling membrane proteins acts as an important determinant in the efficiency of signaling. A major focus in our review is on membrane-embedded G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) which act as cellular signaling hubs for diverse cellular functions. Taken together, we describe a dynamics-based signaling paradigm with chosen examples from literature to elucidate how such a paradigm helps us understand signaling by GPCRs, maintenance of cellular polarity in yeast and infection by pathogens. We envision that with further technological advancement, it would be possible to explore cellular signaling more holistically as cells undergo development, differentiation and aging, thereby providing us a robust window into the dynamics of the cellular interior and its functional correlates.

Automated summary

Biological membranes play a crucial role in cellular compartmentalization and signaling. This review analyzes cellular signaling within a dynamic biophysical framework, with a focus on the role of membrane-embedded GPCRs in cellular functions.