Cell plasma membrane (PM)

The cell plasma membrane is a complex, dynamic lipid bilayer that serves as the primary boundary between the intracellular environment and the extracellular space. It is composed of phospholipids, cholesterol, and a diverse array of integral and peripheral proteins that facilitate essential processes such as selective permeability, signal transduction, and cell-cell communication (Alberts et al., 2002). While the membrane itself is a cellular structure rather than a single molecular target, it is the site of action for a vast majority of therapeutic drugs that target the receptors and channels embedded within it. Some specialized classes of drugs, such as polymyxins and certain antifungal agents, exert their effects by directly binding to and disrupting the physical integrity of the membrane, leading to cell lysis (Zasloff, 2002). In disease states, the composition and fluidity of the plasma membrane can be significantly altered, contributing to pathologies like cancer and metabolic disorders (Cooper, 2000). Understanding the biophysical properties of the plasma membrane is crucial for drug delivery and the development of agents that can selectively penetrate or modify cellular boundaries (Yeagle, 2016).

Other names

PlasmalemmaCytoplasmic membraneCell membraneCytoplasmic envelope

Direct disruption of lipid bilayer integrity, formation of transmembrane pores, or alteration of membrane permeability and fluidity leading to cell lysis.