Molecular genetic analysis of cytoskeletal proteins in development and implications for the membrane skeleton

The membrane skeleton of nonerythroid cells may be involved in a variety of processes, including the formation and maintenance of specific membrane-cytoskeletal domains. Although much has been learned about the ultrastructure and protein chemistry of the membrane skeleton, there are few direct tests of the in vivo functions of the constituent proteins of the membrane skeleton. Recent advances in molecular genetic analysis provide techniques for studying the membrane skeleton and its components in vivo. Considered here in brief detail are a variety of genetic techniques that have already been used to study cytoskeletal proteins. These techniques should also prove useful for future study of the membrane skeleton.