The ubiquitous nanocluster: A molecular scale organizing principle that governs cellular information flow

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2024 Feb:86:102285. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102285. Epub 2023 Dec 6.

Abstract

The language of biology at the scale of the cell is constituted of alphabets represented by biomolecules. These are stitched together in a variety of ways to create meaning. We argue that the phrases of this language are nanoscale molecular assemblies or nano-hubs for the purpose of information flow. At the cell surface information is sensed and processed via membrane receptors, often configured as multimers. These nano-assemblies serve as receiver nano-hubs, which are flexibly configured with additional nano-hubs that we term modifiers and transducers. This framework serves to process information that is transmitted for execution inside the cell. Here, we explore some examples about how nano-hubs are built and how they may contribute to cellular information flow.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane*