An overview about erythrocyte membrane.

In the sixties and seventies, erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs) were extensively studied. Much has been learnt particularly concerning their metabolism and gas transporter function.In the past decade, the use of new approaches and methodologies, such as proteomic analysis, has contributed for a renewed interest on the erythrocyte. Recent studies have provided us with a more detailed and comprehensive picture on the composition and organization of its cellular membrane that will be the main subject of this minireview. Unexpectedly, it has been recognized that this cell expresses several adhesion molecules on its surface, like other cellular types such blood circulating cells or endothelial cells. Taking into consideration the cellular functions of the erythrocyte, the clarification of the role of those adhesion molecules may in the future open new horizons for the biological significance of this cellular player.