Hepatocyte plasma membrane phospholipid bilayer

The hepatocyte plasma membrane phospholipid bilayer is a specialized semi-permeable barrier that defines the boundary of the liver cell and its distinct functional domains, including the sinusoidal (basolateral) and canalicular (apical) membranes (Schulze et al., 2016, PMID: 27108171). It consists of a fluid mosaic of phospholipids, cholesterol, and glycolipids that provide the structural environment for essential membrane proteins such as the Sodium-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) and various ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters (Trauner & Boyer, 2003, PMID: 12843410). This bilayer is vital for maintaining the electrochemical gradient, facilitating the uptake of metabolites, and enabling the secretion of bile components (Alberts et al., 2002, Molecular Biology of the Cell). Pathological changes in the lipid composition or physical properties of the membrane, such as increased rigidity or lipid peroxidation, are hallmarks of diseases like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and chronic viral hepatitis (Puri et al., 2007, PMID: 17654448). Although it is a complex cellular structure rather than a single molecular target, it is the site of action for membrane-stabilizing agents like ursodeoxycholic acid and is a critical barrier for the delivery of hepatotropic drugs and gene therapies (Roma et al., 2011, PMID: 21128895).

Other names

Hepatocyte plasma membraneLiver cell membrane bilayerHepatocyte surface membrane

Membrane stabilization and modulation of lipid composition to protect against lipotoxicity and bile acid-induced damage.