Functional Mechanisms of the Plasma Membrane

Dear Colleagues,

Advances in membrane biology increasingly demonstrate the crucial role of the cellular plasma membrane in fundamental physiological processes, such as cell adhesion and migration, signalling and trafficking, cellular metabolism and homeostasis. In fact, the plasma membrane, which harbors ~30% of the mammalian proteome, defines the identity and behavior of the cell. The recent proliferation of high-resolution molecular microscopy and spectroscopy technologies enables us to decipher the complex nature of the plasma membrane, in particular, the functional roles of membrane lipid composition, lipid–protein interactions and membrane organization. Yet, several questions remain unanswered or are incompletely understood in this field. We still need generalizable insights into questions, such as how are biological functions carried out by the plasma membrane? How are extracellular signals perceived and processed by them, and how are these signals transduced to intracellular components? Reciprocally, how do cells communicate with the surroundings via their membranes? Given the heterogeneity, in terms of their composition defined by thousands of lipids and proteins, various mechanical features emanating from individual molecules, or the collective behavior of these molecules and their dynamics and significance, are emerging.

For this Special Issue, authors are invited to present any new research development, reviews providing or building on past studies or evidence-based new hypotheses on the functional role of cellular membranes. Topics demonstrating the mechanisms defining the first points of interactions and their evolution during the course of the time of interactions resulting in favorable outcomes are especially encouraged. Furthermore, we are interested in the new biological tools and techniques that address membrane-relevant questions, for example, probing of membrane tension or hydration, redistribution of charges and their functional roles. Considering the growing applications of cell-membrane-based nanoparticles, we also welcome studies showing their biological applications.

We are excited about this Issue and hope we can put together an ensemble of exciting articles that will serve as further motivation for future research.

We are eagerly looking forward to your valuable contributions.

Dr. Narain Karedla
Dr. Dilip Shrestha
Guest Editors

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