Cell membrane of malignant cells

The "cell membrane of malignant cells" refers collectively to the plasma membrane surrounding cancer (tumor) cells, which displays distinct biochemical and biophysical properties compared to that of normal cells. Cancer cell membranes often feature altered lipid composition—such as increased cholesterol and phosphatidylserine exposure—and changes in protein constituents, leading to phenomena including membrane rigidity, increased lipid raft domains, and overexpression of transporters like P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and receptors like EGFR and CD44. These aberrations contribute to hallmark malignant behaviors: sustained proliferative signaling, evasion of apoptosis, enhanced migration/invasion, immune escape, and multidrug resistance. While therapeutic strategies do exist that target certain features of tumor cell membranes (notably via drugs such as edelfosine or by exploiting externalized phosphatidylserine), the "cell membrane of malignant cells" itself is not a single target but a composite of multiple potential molecular targets embedded within or associated with the cancer cell surface.

Other names

Cancer cell membraneMembrane of tumor cellsPlasma membrane of malignant cells

Modulating membrane lipid composition to induce apoptosis, Increasing membrane fluidity to promote drug uptake, Targeting membrane rafts to disrupt signaling, Activating death receptors (e.g., via clustering)