Plasma membrane invaginations and their diverse cellular functions

The plasma membrane (PM), a dynamic boundary between a cell and its environment, has a complex inner architecture that includes diverse subcellular structures. Among these, PM invaginations (membrane infolds) exhibit varied morphologies and functions. This review explores the structural diversity and physiological roles of PM invaginations, emphasizing their importance in regulating cellular processes in complex organisms. We describe their presence and significance in diverse cell types and organisms. Understanding these specialized structures offers deeper insight into cellular organization and function, highlighting their indispensable role in sustaining biological activity.

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Publication Details

Journal
BMC Biology
Published
2026-05-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-026-02615-6
Primary Topic
Cellular transport and secretion
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Plasma membrane invaginations and their diverse cellular functions

Donald W. Hilgemann, John H. Brumell, Andrew M. Sydor, Hongxian Zhu et al.
BMC Biology
Cellular transport and secretion
article

Plasma membrane invaginations and their diverse cellular functions

Donald W. Hilgemann, John H. Brumell, Andrew M. Sydor, Hongxian Zhu, Carina Lyons
article en

Abstract

The plasma membrane (PM), a dynamic boundary between a cell and its environment, has a complex inner architecture that includes diverse subcellular structures. Among these, PM invaginations (membrane infolds) exhibit varied morphologies and functions. This review explores the structural diversity and physiological roles of PM invaginations, emphasizing their importance in regulating cellular processes in complex organisms. We describe their presence and significance in diverse cell types and organisms. Understanding these specialized structures offers deeper insight into cellular organization and function, highlighting their indispensable role in sustaining biological activity.

BMC Biology
University of Toronto (CA), Hospital for Sick Children (CA), Southwestern Medical Center (US), SickKids Foundation (CA), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (US)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Life in Land
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Cellular transport and secretion
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