Microbial lipid bilayer membrane

The microbial lipid bilayer membrane is a fundamental structural component of bacteria and fungi, serving as a selective barrier between the cytoplasm and the external environment (StatPearls: NBK553016). Beyond its role as a physical barrier, it is a metabolic hub responsible for energy production via the electron transport chain, nutrient uptake, and signal transduction (PubMed: 29124368). Microbial membranes differ significantly from mammalian membranes in their lipid composition; for instance, bacterial membranes are rich in anionic phospholipids like phosphatidylglycerol, and fungal membranes contain ergosterol instead of cholesterol (PubMed: 30612058). These unique features are exploited by various antimicrobial classes, including polymyxins, which target the lipopolysaccharides and phospholipids of Gram-negative bacteria, and daptomycin, which causes calcium-dependent depolarization in Gram-positive bacteria (PubMed: 24297485). Disruption of the membrane leads to the loss of essential ions, such as potassium, resulting in rapid cell death. Despite their efficacy, drugs targeting the microbial membrane often carry risks of systemic toxicity, such as nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, due to potential interactions with host cell membranes (PubMed: 27330062).

Other names

Bacterial cytoplasmic membraneFungal plasma membraneMicrobial plasma membraneProkaryotic lipid bilayerBacterial cell membrane

Membrane permeabilization, pore formation, and cellular depolarization leading to the rapid leakage of intracellular contents and cell death (PubMed: 30612058).