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The membrane skeleton – A distinct structure that regulates the function of cells
Author(s) -
Fox Joan E. B.,
Boyles Janet K.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
bioessays
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1521-1878
pISSN - 0265-9247
DOI - 10.1002/bies.950080105
Subject(s) - skeleton (computer programming) , spectrin , membrane , microbiology and biotechnology , red blood cell , cell membrane , biology , membrane protein , platelet , cell , chemistry , cytoskeleton , anatomy , biochemistry , immunology
It has long been known that the red blood cell contains a membrane skeleton that stabilizes the plasma membrane, determines its shape, and regulates the lateral distribution of the membrane glyco‐proteins to which it is attached. The way in which these functions are regulated in other cells has not been understood. It has now been shown that platelets also contain a membrane skeleton. In contrast to the membrane skeleton of the red blood cell, the platelet membrane skeleton has actin‐binding protein, not spectrin, as a major component. The platelet membrane skeleton regulates the same cellular functions as the red blood cell membrane skeleton. Other cells may contain a membrane skeleton that is critical to their viability and normal functioning.