Organizing the cell cortex: the role of ERM proteins

RG Fehon, AI McClatchey, A Bretscher - Nature reviews Molecular cell …, 2010 - nature.com
RG Fehon, AI McClatchey, A Bretscher
Nature reviews Molecular cell biology, 2010nature.com
Specialized membrane domains are an important feature of almost all cells. In particular,
they are essential to tissues that have a highly organized cell cortex, such as the intestinal
brush border epithelium. The ERM proteins (ezrin, radixin and moesin) have a crucial role in
organizing membrane domains through their ability to interact with transmembrane proteins
and the cytoskeleton. In doing so, they can provide structural links to strengthen the cell
cortex and regulate the activities of signal transduction pathways. Recent studies examining …
Abstract
Specialized membrane domains are an important feature of almost all cells. In particular, they are essential to tissues that have a highly organized cell cortex, such as the intestinal brush border epithelium. The ERM proteins (ezrin, radixin and moesin) have a crucial role in organizing membrane domains through their ability to interact with transmembrane proteins and the cytoskeleton. In doing so, they can provide structural links to strengthen the cell cortex and regulate the activities of signal transduction pathways. Recent studies examining the structure and in vivo functions of ERMs have greatly advanced our understanding of the importance of membrane–cytoskeleton interactions.
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