Hidden secret of cell membranes could unlock new cancer treatments

For years, scientists thought cell membranes were just a protective shield. A groundbreaking new study from MIT now suggests these tiny barriers play a crucial, hidden role in cancer cells. They could even fuel uncontrolled growth.

Beyond the Barrier

These lipid membranes, which encase every cell, have long been considered simple structural support. However, fresh evidence shows they actually influence how the protein receptors embedded within them behave. MIT chemists have now added weight to this idea.

The researchers found altering the membrane's make-up can change the function of key receptors that promote cell multiplication.

The Cancer Connection

One such receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), is often overactive in cancer cells. The study revealed that higher levels of negatively charged lipids in a cell membrane can lock EGFR into an "on" position. This leads to cells dividing uncontrollably.

Normally, these negatively charged lipids make up about 15% of the membrane. But at 60%, EGFR locks into an active state.

Gabriela Schlau-Cohen, senior author and Professor of Chemistry at MIT, explained this shift in understanding. "The longstanding dogma of what a membrane does is that it’s just a scaffold, an organizational structure. However, there have been increasing observations that suggest that maybe these membrane lipids are actually playing a role in receptor function."

The Cholesterol Factor

Researchers also explored the role of cholesterol. They found that elevated cholesterol levels made membranes more rigid. This rigidity, in turn, suppressed EGFR signalling, potentially slowing cell growth.

Schlau-Cohen further highlighted the implications for cancer. "If the membrane has high levels of negatively charged lipids, then it’s always in that open conformation. It doesn’t matter if ligand is bound or unbound,” she stated. “It’s always in the conformation that’s telling the cell to grow, not just when EGF binds."

These findings could open up the possibility of discovering new ways to treat tumours. Neutralising this negative charge might be a key to turning down EGFR signalling.

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OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on official data from MIT.

[Read the official report from MIT](https://news.mit.edu/2026/mit-study-reveals-new-role-cell-membranes-0416)