Plasma membrane lipids and associated assemblies

Plasma membrane lipids and associated assemblies, including phospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol, constitute the fundamental structural and functional framework of all eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells [1, 2]. Beyond providing a semi-permeable barrier, these lipids organize into specialized microdomains known as lipid rafts, which serve as platforms for signal transduction, protein trafficking, and cell-cell communication [4]. In various diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, the composition and organization of these lipids are often dysregulated, leading to aberrant signaling or structural instability [1, 3]. Consequently, membrane lipids have emerged as viable therapeutic targets for a range of conditions, particularly in infectious diseases where pathogen-specific lipids can be exploited [3]. For instance, antifungal agents like amphotericin B bind to ergosterol in fungal membranes, while antibacterial agents like daptomycin target phosphatidylglycerol to induce pore formation and cell death [5, 6]. Additionally, synthetic lipid analogs like edelfosine are being developed to modulate membrane-associated signaling pathways in oncology, inducing apoptosis in malignant cells [1]. This approach, termed membrane lipid therapy, represents a shift from targeting individual proteins to modulating the physical and chemical properties of the membrane environment [1].

Other names

Cell membrane lipidsMembrane lipid bilayerLipid raftsPlasma membrane microdomainsPhospholipid bilayer

Membrane permeabilization, pore formation, lipid raft disruption, and modulation of membrane-associated signaling pathways through the alteration of membrane physical properties.