Table 1 Key components of lipid rafts and their functions

Cholesterol

Regulates membrane fluidity and prevents excessive lipid packing to maintain stability.

Sphingolipids

Ensures tight packing, structural integrity, and phase separation.

Gangliosides

Modulates cell signaling and adhesion; serves as raft markers.

GPI-Anchored Proteins

Involved in immune cell signaling.

Transmembrane Proteins

Enable precise control of signaling events, e.g., growth factor receptors and ion channels.

Src Family Kinases

Facilitate signal transduction cascades.

Caveolin and Flotillin

Assist in organizing lipid rafts and forming caveolae.