What is lipid-anchored membrane proteins?

Lipid-anchored membrane proteins are proteins that are covalently attached to a lipid molecule, which is embedded in the cell membrane. These proteins play important roles in cell signaling, cell adhesion, and other cellular processes. They are anchored to the cell membrane through a variety of lipid anchors, including glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI), prenyl, and fatty acid anchors. The type of anchor used depends on the specific protein and its function within the cell. GPI-anchored proteins are found primarily on the outer surface of the cell membrane, whereas prenylated and fatty acid-anchored proteins are found on both sides of the membrane. Lipid-anchored membrane proteins are essential for the proper functioning of cells and defects in these anchors can lead to various diseases such as cancer.