Non-endosomal cellular membranes

Non-endosomal cellular membranes encompass the diverse set of lipid bilayers that define the boundaries of the cell and its internal organelles, excluding the endosomal system. This category includes the plasma membrane, the nuclear envelope, the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, and mitochondrial membranes [1, 2]. These membranes are fundamental to life, providing structural integrity and creating distinct microenvironments necessary for specialized biochemical reactions such as ATP production and protein folding [2]. While they are not considered a single therapeutic target, they serve as the scaffold for approximately 60% of all current drug targets, including G protein-coupled receptors and ion channels [3]. Drugs that directly interact with the lipid component of these membranes, such as certain polyene antifungals or membrane-disrupting peptides, often face challenges regarding selectivity between host and pathogen membranes [4]. Consequently, non-specific perturbation of these membranes is a common source of cellular toxicity and adverse drug effects [4].

Other names

Plasma membraneMitochondrial membraneNuclear envelopeEndoplasmic reticulum membraneGolgi membraneNon-endocytic membranesOrganelle membranes

Modulation of membrane fluidity, pore formation, disruption of lipid bilayer integrity, and regulation of membrane-bound protein activity.