Mathematical simulation of membrane protein clustering for efficient signal transduction.
Initiation and propagation of cell signaling depend on productive interactions among signaling proteins at the plasma membrane. These diffusion-limited interactions can be influenced by features of the membrane that introduce barriers, such as cytoskeletal corrals, or microdomains that transiently confine both transmembrane receptors and membrane-tethered peripheral proteins. Membrane topographical features can lead to clustering of receptors and other membrane components, even under very dynamic conditions. This review considers the experimental and mathematical evidence that protein clustering impacts cell signaling in complex ways. Simulation approaches used to consider these stochastic processes are discussed.
Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
Krishnan
K
Radhakrishnan
Ádám
Á
Halász
Meghan M
MM
McCabe
Jeremy S
JS
Edwards
Bridget S
BS
Wilson
D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D015398:Signal Transduction
D008565:Membrane Proteins