Cellular cholesterol-containing membranes

Cellular cholesterol-containing membranes are essential structural components that regulate the physical properties and biological functions of the cell surface. These membranes contain specialized microdomains called lipid rafts, which serve as platforms for signal transduction and protein trafficking [1][2]. Cholesterol within these membranes is vital for maintaining appropriate fluidity and permeability, and its dysregulation is linked to various pathologies including atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders [1]. Many pathogens, including fungi and certain viruses like HIV and influenza, rely on host or fungal-specific membrane sterols for infection and replication [3][4]. Therapeutic strategies often target these membranes using polyene antibiotics, which bind to sterols to form lethal pores, or cyclodextrins, which deplete cholesterol to inhibit viral entry or cancer cell signaling [5]. Despite their efficacy, drugs targeting membrane cholesterol face challenges regarding selectivity, as high concentrations can damage healthy human cells, leading to adverse effects such as hemolysis and renal toxicity [6]. Sources: [1] Maxfield FR, van Meer G. Cholesterol, the atypical lipid. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2010;11(2):85-96. [2] Lingwood D, Simons K. Lipid rafts as a membrane-organizing principle. Science. 2010;327(5961):46-50. [3] Simons K, Sampaio JL. Membrane organization and lipid rafts. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011;3(10):a004697. [4] Lorizate M, Krausslich HG. Role of lipids in virus replication. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011;3(10):a004820. [5] Zidovetzki R, Levitan I. Use of cyclodextrins to manipulate plasma membrane cholesterol content. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2007;1768(6):1311-1324. [6] Mesa-Arango AC, Scorzoni L, Rodriguez-Abad A. Quid of amphotericin B: mechanism of action, resistance and toxicity. Rev Iberoam Micol. 2012;29(3):142-153.

Other names

Lipid raftsCholesterol-rich membrane domainsPlasma membrane cholesterolCholesterol-containing lipid bilayers

Direct binding to membrane sterols to induce pore formation and ion leakage, or sequestration of cholesterol to disrupt lipid raft assembly and associated signaling pathways.