Cellantal

Cellantal is a hypothetical class of amphiphilic molecules proposed to participate in the organization of the cell surface by self-assembling at the plasma membrane. The term appears in speculative discussions of membrane microdomains and receptor clustering and is not recognized as an established class in mainstream biochemistry.

In proposed models, a cellantal molecule features a hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic head. They can insert into lipid bilayers and form reversible, dynamic networks via non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and ionic interactions. Assembly is described as sensitive to conditions such as pH, ionic strength, and temperature.

Proposed mechanisms suggest that cellantals partition into membrane domains and promote or stabilize nanoscale clusters of membrane proteins, potentially altering signaling thresholds and endocytic rates. They are regarded as non-covalent modifiers of membrane organization rather than stoichiometric inhibitors. Research on cellantals remains theoretical or limited to in vitro systems, with no broad consensus about their existence in living organisms.

Applications and status: the concept is used in simulations and biomaterials design to explore how dynamic surface organizers might influence cell behavior. There are no clinical or agricultural approvals, and real-world cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of cellantals are unresolved. Etymology: the name combines "cell" with a suffix denoting a chemical class.