Cellular lipid membrane

The cellular lipid membrane is a fundamental biological barrier that maintains the structural integrity and internal environment of bacteria and cancer cells. Unlike healthy mammalian cells, which primarily present neutral zwitterionic lipids on their outer surface, bacterial membranes are characterized by a high density of negatively charged phospholipids, such as phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin (Epand & Epand, 2009). Similarly, cancer cells often exhibit a loss of membrane asymmetry, leading to the externalization of negatively charged phosphatidylserine, which creates a distinct electrostatic profile (Riedl et al., 2011). These unique biochemical features allow for the selective targeting of these cells by cationic agents, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and certain lipopeptide antibiotics like daptomycin and polymyxins (StatPearls, 2023). Upon interaction, these drugs typically induce membrane depolarization, pore formation, or physical disruption, resulting in the leakage of essential ions and cytoplasmic contents, ultimately leading to cell death (Brooke & Mitchell, 2020). This target is particularly significant in the context of overcoming antibiotic resistance and developing selective anticancer therapies.

Other names

Bacterial membraneCancer cell membranePlasma membraneLipid bilayerCytoplasmic membrane

Membrane permeabilization and disruption via pore formation (barrel-stave or toroidal models) or detergent-like disintegration (carpet model), leading to loss of membrane potential and cytoplasmic leakage.