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Review

  • The EMBO Journal (2006) 25, 3446 - 3457
  • doi:10.1038/sj.emboj.7601204

Published online: 22 June 2006

Dynamics in the plasma membrane: how to combine fluidity and order

Didier Marguet1,2,3, Pierre-François Lenne4,5, Hervé Rigneault4,5 and Hai-Tao He1,2,3

  1. Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
  2. INSERM, UMR 631, Marseille, France
  3. CNRS, UMR 6102, Marseille, France
  4. Institut Fresnel, MOSAIC group, Université Paul Cézanne, Marseille, France
  5. CNRS UMR 6133, Marseille, France

Correspondence to:

Didier Marguet, CIML, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Case 906, 13288 Marseille Cedex 9, France. Tel.: +(33)491 269 128; Fax: +(33)491 269 430; E-mail: marguet@ciml.univ-mrs.fr

Received 20 March 2006; Accepted 29 May 2006

Cell membranes are fascinating supramolecular aggregates that not only form a barrier between compartments but also harbor many chemical reactions essential to the existence and functioning of a cell. Here, it is proposed to review the molecular dynamics and mosaic organization of the plasma membrane, which are thought to have important functional implications. We will first summarize the basic concepts of Brownian diffusion and lipid domain formation in model membranes and then track the development of ideas and tools in this field, outlining key results obtained on the dynamic processes at work in membrane structure and assembly. We will focus in particular on findings made using fluorescent labeling and imaging procedures to record these dynamic processes. We will also discuss a few examples showing the impact of lateral diffusion on cell signal transduction, and outline some future methodological challenges which must be met before we can answer some of the questions arising in this field of research.

  • Keywords:

    • actin meshwork,
    • cell membrane,
    • fluorescence microscopy,
    • lateral diffusion,
    • membrane microdomain