Phospholipid membranes and lipoproteins

Phospholipid membranes and lipoproteins represent fundamental lipid-based structural and transport assemblies in biological systems. Phospholipid membranes serve as the essential semi-permeable barriers defining cell and organelle boundaries, facilitating signal transduction and maintaining ionic gradients necessary for life (StatPearls). Lipoproteins, such as HDL and LDL, are complex macromolecular assemblies of lipids and proteins that transport hydrophobic molecules like cholesterol and triglycerides through the aqueous circulatory system (NCBI/NIH). While these are often considered structural components or metabolic markers, they serve as direct therapeutic targets for specific drug classes. In pharmacotherapy, antibiotics like daptomycin and polymyxins target bacterial phospholipid membranes to induce cell death through membrane depolarization or disruption (PubMed). Similarly, polyene antifungals like amphotericin B interact with sterols within phospholipid bilayers to create lethal pores. Lipoproteins are primarily targeted through therapies that modulate their synthesis or clearance, such as PCSK9 inhibitors or apheresis, to mitigate cardiovascular risk associated with atherosclerosis. Because these structures are ubiquitous, therapeutic interventions must achieve high specificity to avoid off-target damage to host cell membranes, which can manifest as clinical toxicities including nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity.

Other names

Cell membranesLipid bilayersPlasma membranesCirculating lipoproteinsLipid-protein complexes

Disruption of lipid bilayer integrity, pore formation in membranes, sequestration of membrane components, and modulation of lipid transport/clearance.