Lipid membrane and associated lipoprotein

Lipid membranes and associated lipoproteins represent a broad class of biological structures that are essential for cellular integrity and systemic lipid homeostasis. Lipid membranes, primarily composed of phospholipid bilayers, act as selective barriers and platforms for signal transduction and transport. Lipoproteins, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), are complex particles that facilitate the movement of hydrophobic lipids through the bloodstream. In clinical practice, lipid membranes are targeted by antimicrobial agents like polymyxins and daptomycin, which disrupt membrane stability to treat multi-drug resistant infections (Malanovic & Lohner, 2016, PMID: 26811653). Lipoproteins are central to the pathology of atherosclerosis, where their oxidative modification and accumulation in arterial walls lead to cardiovascular disease (Feingold, 2022, PMID: 26247089). Therapeutic strategies targeting these entities include the use of bile acid sequestrants to lower LDL levels and membrane-active peptides to combat pathogens. However, targeting these structures presents challenges, such as ensuring selectivity for microbial over host membranes to avoid systemic toxicity (Velkov et al., 2013, PMID: 23243958). Overall, these targets are pivotal in managing both infectious and metabolic disorders.

Other names

Lipid membranes and associated lipoproteinsBiological membraneLipid bilayerLipoprotein particlePlasma membrane

Drugs targeting lipid membranes typically act through physical disruption, pore formation, or alteration of membrane permeability, leading to cell lysis (Malanovic & Lohner, 2016, PMID: 26811653). Drugs targeting lipoproteins or their metabolism often involve the sequestration of lipid components or the modulation of particle clearance to reduce systemic lipid levels (Feingold, 2022, PMID: 26247089).