Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Determination of Protein-ligand Interactions Using Differential Scanning Fluorimetry
Published on: September 13, 2014
Effects of Variations in Ligand Density on Cell Signaling
Tushar Satav1, Jurriaan Huskens1, Pascal Jonkheijm1
1Molecular Nanofabrication Group MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, 7500AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Multiple simultaneous interactions between receptors and ligands dictate the extracellular and intracellular activities of cells. The concept of programmable ligand display is generally used to study the interaction between ligands, displayed on surfaces at various densities, with receptors present on cell surfaces. Various strategies are discussed here to display ligands on surfaces to study their effect on cell behavior. Only very few strategies have been reported where this display combines precise control over density with lateral spacing of ligands on surfaces. In this review, selected examples of strategies to control ligand density and spacing and their implications for biological functions of cells are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Ligand Binding Sites
Protein-ligand interactions are quite specific; even though numerous potential ligands surround a cellular protein at any given time, only a particular ligand can bind to that protein. Moreover, a ligand binds only to a dedicated area on the surface of the protein, known as the...
Ligand Binding Sites
Types of Signaling Molecules
Diversity in Cell Signaling Responses
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
Cell-surface Signaling
Intracellular Signaling Cascades

