Receptor aggregation as a mechanism for transmembrane signalling: Models for hormone action

摘要: In this paper I propose a receptor aggregation model for transmembrane signalling. This model is based on a variety of experiment evidence which demonstrates that receptor motion and clustering (cross linking) in the plane of the membrane plays an important role in the molecular events which lead to hormone action, degranulation of mast cells and other important physiological processes.I postulate that clustering of mobile receptors (local aggregation) causes the formation of a molecular product. This putative molecule can activate various transport systems across the membrane. It also forms an ion channel or triggers an active transport system of ions across the plasma membrane. The elevated intracellular ions (Ca++?) could, in turn, activate intracellular enzymes and thereby trigger the various biological responses to the hormone. The local aggregation of receptors is a rapid and efficient process and it is not a rate determining step for the action of insulin, EGF and other peptide hormones.