[Phosphatidylinositides as biochemical modulators of the process of receptor domain formation]

A detailed description of the dynamic aspect of the previously proposed concept concerning the domain organization of receptor molecules in biological membranes is presented. Within the framework of this model, receptor molecules are considered as structural elements of the cyclic process of receptor domain (RD) formation and decay. It is assumed that receptor molecules may form a molecular basis of various physiological cyclic processes. Different pathways of biochemical control over RD formation and their putative functional roles in various receptor systems are discussed. It is suggested that phosphatidylinositol metabolism in the cell may be coupled to biochemical control over RD formation. Two probable pathways of such control, one chemical (ligand-mediated) and one autonomous, are proposed. The molecular origin of carcinogenesis is postulated.