Cholesterol-containing lipid membrane

Cholesterol-containing lipid membranes are structural components of animal cells wherein cholesterol is intercalated between phospholipids in the lipid bilayer[1][3][4][6]. Cholesterol serves to modulate membrane fluidity, permeability, thickness, and elasticity, depending on the lipid composition and temperature[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. It also facilitates the formation of specialized membrane domains termed lipid rafts, which organize proteins and regulate various cellular processes such as signaling, transport, and membrane fusion[1][2][5][6]. The cholesterol content is crucial for mechanical stability, barrier function, and the dynamic nature of membranes, making them resilient yet flexible[1][3]. Changes in cholesterol composition or organization of these membranes can influence disease states and the function of embedded proteins[1][5][8]. However, "cholesterol-containing lipid membrane" itself is not a defined therapeutic target, but rather a structural context for membrane proteins and cellular regulation[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].

Other names

Cholesterol-rich membraneCholesterol-lipid bilayerLiquid-ordered phase membraneLipid raft-enriched membrane

Alteration of membrane cholesterol content to affect cell signaling, permeability, or susceptibility to lysis (e.g., statins, cholesterol-depleting drugs)