Cell membrane sterols and lipid bilayer

The cell membrane sterols and lipid bilayer represent the primary structural and functional boundary of the cell, composed of a phospholipid matrix interspersed with sterols like cholesterol in animals and ergosterol in fungi (StatPearls, 2023). These components are essential for maintaining membrane fluidity, structural integrity, and the organization of signaling complexes known as lipid rafts (PubMed, 2021). In clinical practice, this target is most prominently utilized in the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections. Polyene antibiotics, such as Amphotericin B, bind specifically to ergosterol, creating transmembrane pores that lead to the leakage of essential ions and subsequent cell death (NIH, 2022). Additionally, certain antibiotics like Daptomycin and Polymyxins target the lipid bilayer of bacteria to cause rapid depolarization or physical disruption (PubMed, 2020). Beyond infectious diseases, the lipid bilayer is increasingly studied for its role in cancer progression and neurodegenerative disorders, where alterations in lipid composition affect cell signaling and protein aggregation (PubMed, 2018).

Other names

Plasma membraneLipid bilayerMembrane sterolsErgosterolCholesterolPhospholipid bilayerCytoplasmic membrane

Direct binding to membrane sterols (e.g., ergosterol) or phospholipids, leading to the formation of transmembrane pores, membrane depolarization, or physical disruption of the bilayer, which results in the leakage of intracellular contents and cell death (StatPearls, 2023; PubMed, 2020).