Plasma membrane (PM) (PM)

The plasma membrane is a fundamental biological structure that serves as the semi-permeable boundary of the eukaryotic cell, composed primarily of a phospholipid bilayer interspersed with proteins and cholesterol (Alberts et al., 2002). It plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by regulating the transport of ions and molecules, and it serves as the primary site for signal transduction through various receptors and ion channels (Lodish et al., 2000). While not typically classified as a single therapeutic target due to its immense complexity, the membrane's physical properties and lipid composition are modulated by several classes of drugs. For instance, certain anesthetics and antifungal agents like Amphotericin B interact with membrane components to cause pore formation or alter fluidity (StatPearls, 2023). Alterations in membrane composition are associated with numerous pathologies, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, where changes in fluidity or lipid raft organization can impact cell signaling (Maxfield & Tabas, 2005). In cancer, the membrane often exhibits altered lipid asymmetry and increased rigidity, which can contribute to drug resistance (Hendrich & Michalak, 2003). Consequently, while specific proteins within the membrane are the primary focus of drug discovery, the membrane itself remains a vital structural context for pharmacological intervention.

Other names

Eukaryotic cell membraneCytoplasmic membranePlasmalemmaCell membrane

Modulation of membrane fluidity, pore formation, and disruption of lipid-protein interactions (StatPearls, 2023; Alberts et al., 2002).