Neuronal membrane microdomain

Neuronal membrane microdomains are specialized regions of the neuronal plasma membrane enriched with specific lipids (such as sphingolipids and cholesterol) and proteins that serve as organizing platforms for signal transduction and synaptic transmission. The dynamic assembly of these microdomains regulates crucial biological functions in neurons, from differentiation and morphology to neuronal–glial interactions and myelination. Disruption of microdomain integrity due to metabolic derangements or lipid composition changes has been linked to a wide range of neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. These microdomains modulate the activity and localization of membrane-bound proteins (e.g., ion channels, receptors, enzymes like BACE1), but are not themselves single identified targets for pharmacotherapy.

Other names

lipid raftmembrane raftneuronal lipid microdomain

Modulation of membrane composition. Regulation of protein localization/function (e.g., BACE1 activity within lipid rafts).