About this Research Topic
Biological membranes are fundamental to many aspects of cellular physiology. The dynamic interactions between specific lipid, protein and glycan components within and adjacent to lipid bilayers lead to various layers of organization and structure that are important determinants of membrane functions. At the nanoscale, lipid bilayers are dynamically organized into various structures driven by the interaction of specific proteins, lipids and glycans into distinct and dynamic membrane domains, each demarked for example by proteins such as tetraspanins, flotillins, clathrin, or Ras. In addition, dynamic membrane-based structures such as focal adhesions, actin-driven membrane protrusions, membrane contact sites, and ion conducting channels or protein translocating pores are also critically modulated by complex interactions of specific proteins, lipids and glycans. The dynamic partitioning of specific proteins and lipids into these diverse membrane-based structures controls a wide range of functions, including signaling networks, neural transmission, muscle contraction, protein synthesis and quality control, membrane transport, cell adhesion and migration, vesicle and membrane traffic, responses to cellular stress, cell metabolism, cell proliferation and survival, and eventually cell death with the membranes themselves destroyed and then recycled to make new lives.
The complexity of the molecular interactions in lipid bilayers that control membrane dynamics provides opportunities for regulation. For example, dynamic posttranslational modification such as palmitoylation directs alterations in protein behaviour within membranes. In addition, the complexity of membrane established by specificity and remodeling of phospholipid fatty acyl chains is emerging as a mechanism for regulation of membrane dynamics. These and many other mechanisms allow membrane dynamics to be regulated by a variety of signals, including cell stress, cell metabolism and extracellular signals and cues. In addition, the alterations in membrane dynamics are associated with alterations in protein sorting, vesicle traffic, cell signaling, and cell metabolism that occur in many diseases, making understanding the modulation of membrane dynamics an important priority for development of novel therapeutic strategies.
This membrane dynamics-focused Research Topic aims to bring together a wide range of leading experts in physiology, cell biology, biophysics and biochemistry to highlight emerging concepts that establish the structure, behaviour and function of proteins, lipids and glycans in lipid bilayers, and how this in turn establishes control over a wide range of cellular functions. In particular, this Research Topic volume aims to examine the molecular, biophysical and biochemical mechanisms that control the dynamic behaviour of molecules in lipid bilayers, the cell biological and physiological outcomes of modulation of membrane dynamics, as well as the mechanisms by which alterations in membrane dynamics contribute to disease, , such by examining the following:
- Fluid mosaics and domains within membranes
- Membrane traffic, fission and fusion
- Engulfment of particles or organelles by membranes
- Control of degradation or macromolecule turnover by membranes
- Regulation of membrane dynamics
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
