Lipid bilayer membranes and associated lipoprotein particles

Lipid bilayer membranes and associated lipoprotein particles are fundamental supramolecular assemblies essential for cellular integrity and systemic lipid homeostasis. The lipid bilayer, composed primarily of phospholipids and cholesterol, serves as a selective permeability barrier that compartmentalizes cellular processes and provides a matrix for membrane proteins (Alberts et al., 2002). Lipoprotein particles, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), are complex aggregates of lipids and apolipoproteins that facilitate the transport of hydrophobic lipids through the aqueous environment of the bloodstream (Feingold, 2022). These structures are direct and indirect targets for various therapeutic interventions. For example, polyene antifungals like amphotericin B and lipopeptide antibiotics like daptomycin exert their activity by directly binding to and disrupting microbial lipid membranes (Zasloff, 2002). Additionally, the management of cardiovascular disease heavily relies on modulating the concentration and composition of lipoprotein particles through agents that inhibit lipid synthesis or enhance particle clearance (Mach et al., 2020). The biophysical properties of these lipid-based structures, including fluidity and surface charge, are critical determinants of drug delivery and cellular uptake (Papahadjopoulos et al., 1967). While grouped here, they represent distinct biological compartments with unique pharmacological profiles.

Other names

Biological membranesPlasma membranesLipoprotein complexesPhospholipid bilayersLipid-protein assembliesHDLLDLVLDLChylomicronsLipid bilayer

Direct physical disruption of the lipid bilayer, formation of transmembrane pores, sequestration of lipid components, and modulation of lipoprotein assembly, transport, or clearance.