The membrane skeleton - A distinct structure that regulates the function of cells

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.