Cell membrane lipids and proteins

The cell membrane is a complex assembly of lipids and proteins that forms a semi-permeable barrier essential for cellular life [1, 2]. It consists of a phospholipid bilayer interspersed with cholesterol and various integral and peripheral proteins that perform functions such as signal transduction, molecular transport, and cell adhesion [3, 4]. From a therapeutic perspective, the cell membrane is the most significant site for drug action, with over 60% of marketed drugs targeting membrane-bound proteins like G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels [7, 9]. Furthermore, specific drugs like daptomycin and polymyxins directly target membrane lipids to disrupt structural integrity, particularly in pathogens [8]. Membrane dysfunction is a hallmark of various pathologies, including cancer, where altered lipid metabolism and protein expression drive disease progression [6, 12]. Consequently, the membrane environment and lipid-protein interactions are increasingly recognized as vital considerations in drug design and delivery [7, 16].

Other names

Plasma membraneCytoplasmic membraneCell membranePhospholipid bilayer

Drugs targeting this assembly act through various mechanisms, including direct membrane disruption and pore formation (e.g., daptomycin, polymyxins), modulation of membrane-bound receptor activity (e.g., GPCR ligands), and inhibition of transmembrane transporters or ion channels [8, 9, 14].