Membrane anomalies of neoplastic cells

Neoplastic cells exhibit numerous membrane anomalies. Those involving the plasma membrane have attracted the greatest attention, although ample evidence indicates that the membranes of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes are also profoundly implicated. The information on these topics is briefly reviewed and it is concluded that of the multiple membrane anomalies observed, those responsible for high aerobic lactate production, abnormal plasma membrane transport and release of hydrolytic enzymes may figure prominently in malignant behaviour, i.e. invasiveness and metastasis. It is proposed that the membrane polymorphism of neoplastic cells can be explained in terms of the Changeux membrane lattice hypothesis. In particular it is suggested that the concerted behaviour of tumor cell membranes might deviate from normal due to one or more of the following processes: (a) insertion of a new protein (or lipid); (b) alteration of existing proteins (or lipids); (c) change in the proportion of phospholipid; (d) change in the proportion of glycolipid; (e) change in the proportion of cholesterol; (f) change in the steady-state of membrane ligands. The validity of this proposal is evaluated in terms of recent advances in membrane molecular biology.