Membrane Microdomains
Membrane microdomains are specialized regions within cellular membranes that have distinct lipid and protein compositions. These areas play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including signaling, protein sorting, and membrane trafficking. They are often enriched in specific lipids, such as cholesterol and sphingolipids, which help to organize proteins and other molecules.
One well-known type of membrane microdomain is the lipid raft, which serves as a platform for signaling molecules to interact. These microdomains can influence how cells respond to external stimuli and are important for maintaining cellular structure and function. Understanding membrane microdomains is essential for studying cellular behavior and disease mechanisms.