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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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In multicellular organisms, many molecules transmit signals between cells to pass information. These signals vary in complexity and include small peptides, nucleotides, steroids, fatty acid derivatives, and dissolved gases such as nitric oxide. Some signaling molecules diffuse through the plasma membrane to act locally between neighboring cells or travel long distances. Others remain attached to the cell surface, transmitting information to other cells only when they make contact. In some...

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Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates loosely attached to one another through chemical interactions. Molecules are generally able to move about in the plane of the membrane, giving the membrane its flexible nature called fluidity. Two other features of the membrane contribute to membrane fluidity: the chemical structure of the phospholipids and the presence of cholesterol in the membrane.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cell Membrane Biophysics - Exploring Interactions and Challenges Through Experimental and Computational Approaches

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cell Membrane Biophysics - Exploring Interactions and Challenges Through Experimental and Computational Approaches

Published on: September 1, 2023

Membrane lipids and cell signaling.

Hannah Sunshine¹, Maria Luisa Iruela-Arispe

¹aMolecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Graduate Program bDepartment of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology cMolecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Current Opinion in Lipidology

|July 11, 2017

Summary

Membrane lipids, not just proteins, are crucial for cell signal transduction. Recent research highlights how lipids regulate protein interactions, receptor activation, and inflammation, opening new therapeutic avenues.

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Last Updated: Feb 27, 2026

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology

Background:

Transmembrane proteins traditionally mediate signal reception and transmission.
Emerging evidence reveals significant roles for membrane lipids in signal transduction pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advancements in understanding the contributions of membrane lipids to cellular signal transduction.
To highlight how lipid-protein interactions impact cell function and signaling.

Main Methods:

Review of recent scientific literature and reports.
Analysis of experimental findings on lipid regulation of signaling proteins and receptors.

Main Results:

Membrane lipid composition regulates SH2 domain proteins and K-Ras interactions.
Phospholipid saturation affects G-protein-coupled receptor and Toll-like receptor 4 signaling, influencing inflammation.
Gangliosides modulate integrin activation and tumor cell migration.
Cholesterol's association with smoothened receptor clarifies sonic hedgehog pathway involvement.

Conclusions:

Detailed understanding of lipid-protein interactions expands therapeutic targeting options with enhanced specificity.