Cellular and subcellular membranes

Cellular and subcellular membranes are complex lipid bilayers that define the boundaries of cells and their internal organelles, such as the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. They serve as the primary site for signal transduction, ion transport, and molecular recognition, maintaining the electrochemical gradients essential for life (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2005). While most drugs target specific proteins embedded within these membranes, several classes of therapeutic agents interact directly with the lipid components or the physical structure of the membrane itself. For instance, certain antibiotics like polymyxins and daptomycin disrupt bacterial membranes to exert their bactericidal effects, while antifungal agents like amphotericin B bind to ergosterol to create pores (StatPearls, 2023; PubChem, 2024). In disease states, alterations in membrane composition and fluidity are observed in cancer and neurodegeneration, making the membrane an emerging focus for "membrane-lipid therapy" (Escribá et al., 2008). However, targeting the membrane poses significant challenges regarding selectivity and potential systemic toxicity, such as hemolysis or nephrotoxicity, due to the ubiquitous nature of lipid bilayers in the host.

Other names

Biological membranesPlasma membraneLipid bilayerCytoplasmic membraneOrganelle membranes

Disruption of membrane integrity, pore formation, alteration of membrane fluidity, and modulation of lipid-protein interactions.