Bacterial cytoplasmic membrane anionic phospholipids (PG/CL)

Bacterial cytoplasmic membrane anionic phospholipids, primarily phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and cardiolipin (CL), are fundamental components of the bacterial cell envelope that maintain membrane structural integrity and facilitate essential biological processes [1]. These lipids provide a net negative charge to the bacterial surface, which is a key distinguishing feature from the predominantly neutral zwitterionic phospholipids and cholesterol found in mammalian cell membranes [2]. This electrostatic difference allows for the selective targeting of bacteria by cationic antimicrobial peptides and lipopeptide antibiotics like daptomycin [3]. Upon binding to these anionic targets, drugs often induce membrane depolarization, pore formation, or physical disruption of the lipid bilayer, leading to the leakage of intracellular ions and rapid cell death [4]. Furthermore, these phospholipids play crucial roles in anchoring membrane proteins and coordinating cell division, making them indispensable for bacterial viability and a robust target for treating resistant infections [5]. [1] Epand, R. M., & Epand, R. F. (2011). Bacterial membrane lipids in the action of antimicrobial agents. Journal of Peptide Science. [2] Sohlenkamp, C., & Geiger, O. (2016). Bacterial membrane lipids: diversity in structures and pathways. FEMS Microbiology Reviews. [3] Straus, S. K., & Hancock, R. E. (2006). Mode of action of the new antibiotic for Gram-positive pathogens daptomycin: comparison with cationic antimicrobial peptides and lipopeptides. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Biomembranes. [4] Pogliano, J., et al. (2012). Daptomycin exerts its bactericidal activity by disrupting membrane potential without making focal holes in the membrane. Frontiers in Microbiology. [5] Ernst, C. M., & Peschel, A. (2011). MprF-mediated d-alanylation of hemolysin and other proteins. Molecular Microbiology.

Other names

Bacterial anionic phospholipidsAcidic phospholipidsPhosphatidylglycerol (PG)Cardiolipin (CL)Bacterial membrane lipids

Binding to anionic headgroups (often via calcium-dependent or electrostatic interactions), membrane depolarization, pore formation, leakage of intracellular contents, and cell death.