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Cell-surface Signaling

Cell-surface Signaling

Hormones—or any molecule that binds to a receptor, known as a ligand—that are lipid-insoluble (water-soluble) are not able to diffuse across the cell membrane. In order to be able to affect a cell without entering it, these hormones bind to receptors on the cell membrane. When a first messenger, a hormone, binds to a receptor, a signal cascade is set off, causing second messengers, proteins inside the cell, to become activated, resulting in downstream effects.

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Different physical properties of lipids and proteins allow them to localize and form distinct islands or domains in the membrane. Some membrane domains are formed due to protein-protein interactions, whereas others are formed due to the presence of specific lipids such as sphingolipids and sterols—for example, large proteins, such as bacteriorhodopsin, aggregate and create distinct domains.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 9, 2026

Preparation of Thermoresponsive Nanostructured Surfaces for Tissue Engineering

Preparation of Thermoresponsive Nanostructured Surfaces for Tissue Engineering

Published on: March 1, 2016

Cell Surface and Membrane Engineering: Emerging Technologies and Applications.

Christopher T Saeui^1,2, Mohit P Mathew^3,4, Lingshui Liu^5,6

¹Translational Tissue Engineering Center (TTEC), Johns Hopkins University, 400 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. chris.saeui@gmail.com.

Journal of Functional Biomaterials

|June 23, 2015

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Biological membranes, essential cell interfaces, are being engineered for advanced applications like drug discovery and biosensors. These functional biomaterials offer promising solutions for health and sustainable energy.

Keywords:

bio 3D printing biofuel synthesis biosensors cell surface engineering membrane engineering metabolic engineering

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Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Cell Biology
Synthetic Biology

Background:

Biological membranes act as crucial interfaces for cells, managing nutrient and waste transport while maintaining cellular integrity.
Their complex and versatile nature makes them ideal functional biomaterials.
Evolving methods allow for the manipulation of these membranes for practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the manipulation of biological membranes for practical applications.
To highlight advancements in membrane-based technologies, including synthetic approaches.
To showcase the potential benefits in medicine, environmental monitoring, and energy.

Main Methods:

Review of current research and emerging technologies in membrane manipulation.
Examples from drug discovery, biofuels, and biosensors.
Discussion of synthetic membrane technologies enabled by methods like bio-3D printing.

Main Results:

Membrane engineering is enabling diverse applications beyond basic cell function.
Drug discovery benefits from targeted delivery systems.
Biofuels and biosensors are advancing through membrane-based innovations.
Synthetic biology approaches are creating novel membrane technologies.

Conclusions:

Engineered membranes hold significant promise for human health and environmental solutions.
Advancements in membrane technology are paving the way for new medicines.
Cost-effective environmental monitoring and sustainable energy are key future benefits.
The versatility of membranes positions them as critical functional biomaterials for future innovation.