Work

The ins and outs of phospholipid asymmetry in the plasma membrane: roles in health and disease

Year: 2009

Type: review

Abstract: A common feature of all eukaryotic membranes is the non-random distribution of different lipid species in the lipid bilayer (lipid asymmetry). Lipid asymmetry provides the two sides of the plasma membrane with different biophysical properties and influences numerous cellular functions. Alteration of lipid asymmetry plays a prominent role during cell fusion, activation of the coagulation cascade, and recognition and removal of apoptotic cell corpses by macrophages (programmed cell clearance). Here we discuss the origin and maintenance of phospholipid asymmetry, based on recent studies in mammalian systems as well as in Caenhorhabditis elegans and other model organisms, along with emerging evidence for a conserved role of mitochondria in the loss of lipid asymmetry during apoptosis. The functional significance of lipid asymmetry and its disruption during health and disease is also discussed.

Source: Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

DOI: 10.1080/10409230903193307

Authors: Bengt Fadeel, Ding Xue

Institutions: Karolinska Institutet, University of Colorado Boulder

Language: English

Topic: Lipid Membrane Structure and Behavior

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Vetenskapsrådet, National Institute of General Medical Sciences