Lipid-anchored proteins are a type of membrane protein that are attached to the cell membrane through lipid molecules. These proteins play important roles in various cellular functions, including signaling and maintaining the structure of the membrane. The lipid anchor helps to keep the protein in place, allowing it to interact with other molecules in the membrane. There are different types of lipid anchors, such as glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors and fatty acid anchors. These anchors can influence the protein's activity and localization within the cell. Lipid-anchored proteins are essential for processes like cell communication and immune responses.