Manfred Eigen Award Lecture: Higher-order transient structures (HOTS) and the principle of dynamic connectivity in membrane signaling

Cells convey signals (information) across their membranes through the interactions of membrane proteins that communicate with each other, forming what are called signal pathways, akin to the components in an electronic circuit. But cell membranes are 2-dimensional liquids in which diffusion dominates, raising the questions how do the components connect, and why do coexisting pathways not interfere with each other? In this presentation I will show you that many membrane proteins self-assemble into higher order transient structures(HOTS). Because HOTS are formed through specific protein interactions, they must be genetically encoded macromolecular units. I will explain how HOTS can (1) underlie a dynamic connectivity by tying together in a statistical manner the components of a signal pathway and (2) permit multiple signal pathways to coexist in the cell membrane.