Bacterial cytoplasmic membrane and fungal cytoplasmic membrane

The bacterial cytoplasmic membrane and fungal cytoplasmic membrane are essential lipid bilayer structures that surround the cellular contents of bacteria and fungi, respectively. In both groups, the cytoplasmic membrane consists primarily of phospholipids and proteins, serving as a highly selective permeability barrier that is critical for nutrient uptake, waste excretion, and maintenance of cell integrity[1][3][5]. In bacteria, this membrane is also the site of energy-generating processes such as respiration and ATP synthesis, as well as the site of key biosynthetic reactions[1][3][5]. The bacterial membrane lacks sterols (except in certain genera), while the fungal membrane typically contains ergosterol as its major sterol component, which is distinct from cholesterol in mammalian cells[2][4][8]. Both bacterial and fungal cytoplasmic membranes are important therapeutic targets, as disruption of their structure or function leads to cell death. Polyene antifungal agents target ergosterol in fungal membranes; azoles inhibit ergosterol synthesis; polymyxins disrupt the integrity of bacterial membranes; and newer antifungals such as mandimycin target fungal phospholipids[2][4][6][8][10]. Safety challenges mainly revolve around selectivity and toxicity, particularly in the case of polyenes, which can also affect mammalian membranes at higher concentrations[2][4][6].

Other names

Bacterial plasma membraneBacterial cell membraneFungal plasma membraneFungal cell membrane

Bacteria: Disruption of membrane integrity and permeability (e.g., polymyxins bind to bacterial membrane lipids, causing leakage and cell death)[10]. Fungi: Binding to ergosterol (by polyenes like amphotericin B), forming pores and causing leakage of cellular contents[2][4]; Inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis (by azoles), leading to altered membrane fluidity and function[4][8]; Disruption of membrane phospholipids (by mandimycin)[6].