Articles tagged with Membrane Lipids
A team in Japan has created a propellor-shaped lipid mimic molecule that forms stable 'islands' in a 'sea' of lipid, achieving phase separation and high thermal stability. This new design principle can be used to engineer domains in artificial membrane materials for various applications.
Extracellular vesicles from liver cells can elicit a 'lipid counterstorm' that counters the effects of cytokine storms in mice. The treatment shows promise for treating inflammatory conditions such as sepsis, coagulopathy and colitis.
A team from the University of Osaka has created a high-throughput platform to engineer versatile biosensors that can track lipid molecules in living cells. This method, called Cell surface Liposome Binding (CLiB) assay, uses yeast cells and fluorescence readouts to test protein variants' binding to lipids.
A new imaging technique, Lipid-CLEM, has revealed the detailed organization of lipids in cellular membranes at the nanoscale. The technique allows for 3D visualization of lipid densities in membrane nanodomains, providing insights into lipid sorting and behavior within complex cellular structures.
A new imaging approach enables visualization of specific lipids in cells, revealing that non-vesicular lipid transport by proteins is the primary mechanism maintaining organelle membrane composition. This breakthrough has implications for understanding lipid imbalances in diseases and accelerating discoveries of new drug targets.
Researchers developed t-SPESI technology to visualize cell parts and analyze lipid distributions in complex biological samples. This enables the detection of abnormal lipids linked to disease, advancing therapies and diagnostic techniques.
Researchers discovered that mammalian membranes have drastically different phospholipid abundances between their two leaflets, contradicting a major assumption of cell biology. The asymmetry is enabled by cholesterol's unique properties, which act as a buffer to redistribute between the leaflets and maintain robust barriers.
Researchers from Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche found that bisphenol analogs BPF and BPS, marketed as safer alternatives to BPA, accumulate in biological membranes and disrupt endocrine function. The study suggests these compounds pose health risks similar to those of BPA.
Researchers at UNIGE have discovered how yeast cells respond to physical stress on their membranes. Cryo-electron microscopy revealed that specific lipid domains can stabilize and trigger cellular responses to mechanical stimuli. This study sheds light on the role of membrane compartmentalization in cell survival.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys and Vanderbilt University have identified phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinases (PI5P4Ks) as a key regulator of the hippo pathway, which is dysregulated in cancer. The study suggests that targeting PI5P4Ks may lead to new treatments for cancers with abnormal hippo signaling.
A recent study published in Plant Physiology reveals the inner workings of photosynthesis and plant productivity by investigating the interaction between RBL10 and ACP4 proteins. The researchers identified that these proteins act independently in parallel ways to affect lipid biosynthesis, paving the way for engineering crop plants wit...
A recent study published in the Journal of Cell Biology has made significant progress in understanding autophagy and lipid recycling. Researchers used yeast as a model organism to identify key players in the process, including Atg15, Pep4, and Prb1, and demonstrated that Pep4 and Prb1 activate Atg15 to break down phospholipid bilayers.
A new antibiotic strategy has been found to defeat gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli by interfering with the outer lipid layer of the bacteria. The compound, LPC-233, is a small molecule that works fast and is durable in animal tests, with potentially vital applications against stubborn urinary tract infections.
The study reveals a double-layered structure of amyloid-β on GM1-containing membranes that acts as a catalyst for fibrillization. This discovery offers new insights into predicting Alzheimer's disease onset and potentially inhibiting its progression.
Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.
Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a fluorescence-based monitoring system to study BAR protein assembly. The study found that WASP, Cdc42, and other proteins facilitate GAS7 assembly on lipid membranes, promoting cellular shape formation and protein signaling.
Researchers have developed nanodiscs based on the cell membranes of human red blood cells, which can effectively neutralize bacterial toxins. These nanodiscs, called RBC-NDs, are biocompatible and non-toxic, making them potentially useful as nanovaccines.
A study by IMBA researchers links muscle degeneration to a deficiency in the enzyme PCYT2, essential for lipid synthesis. PCYT2 depletion affects mitochondrial function and muscle energetics, highlighting the importance of lipid balance in muscle health.
A new study reveals that certain types of lipids found in ancient fossils are produced by specific living bacteria. By identifying these microorganisms and understanding how they produce the lipids, scientists can create more accurate climate reconstructions. This discovery also sheds light on the early evolution of life on Earth.
The study found that the interaction between two organelles in the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, controls the transfer of cholesterol to the plasma membrane. This process is crucial for maintaining proper lipid composition at the cell surface.
A study by the University of Geneva team shows that disrupted circadian clocks lead to a rigidity in the membrane of pancreatic endocrine cells, affecting their function. The researchers also found that lipid profiles oscillate more during the day than previously thought, particularly in phospholipids and sphingolipids.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a universal mechanism for lysosomal repair, known as the PITT pathway, which helps maintain cellular longevity. The study reveals that damaged lysosomes are quickly repaired through the PITT pathway, but defects in this process can contribute to age-related diseases such as Al...
Scientists discover that SARS-CoV-2 creates cellular storehouses of fat to replicate and cause disease. Compounds cutting off fatty fuel stop the virus from replicating in lab tests.
Researchers have discovered a membrane lipid called PI(18:1/18:1) that significantly involves in preventing programmed cell death. This finding opens up new therapeutic approaches for diseases such as diabetes, cancer and neurodegeneration.
Researchers at Arizona State University have designed and constructed artificial membrane channels using DNA, allowing selective transport of ions, proteins, and cargo. The channels can be opened and closed with a lock and key mechanism, enabling diverse scientific domains such as biosensing and drug delivery applications.
A team of biochemists at the University of Groningen discovered that membrane thickness, lipid phase, and sterol type are key factors in determining permeability. This knowledge can help companies optimize microbial production and improve drug design.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin create first-ever biologically authentic computer model of HIV-1 virus liposome, shedding light on replication and infectivity. The study reveals key characteristics of the liposome's asymmetry and its role in shaping macroscopic properties.
Researchers found that lipids can directly modulate RNA activity, enabling potential control over RNA-lipid interactions. This could provide insights into the origin of life and aid in synthetic biology.
Researchers at UNSW and University of Sydney develop DNA 'nanostructures' to effectively manipulate synthetic liposomes, leading to potential applications in biosensing and mRNA vaccines. The study also explores the creation of 'mini biological computers' that can sense their environment and respond to signals.
A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a key component of the assembly line responsible for oil droplet formation. The study suggests new ways to engineer plant tissues for increased oil accumulation, which could lead to sustainable oils for biofuels and other commodity products.
A study by Van Andel Institute scientists found that surplus sugar causes mitochondria to become less efficient, reducing their energy output. A low-sugar ketogenic diet reversed this effect, supporting healthy mitochondrial integrity and function.
Researchers successfully synthesized crenarchaeol, a complex organic lipid found in archaea membranes. The correct structure reveals 22 chiral centers and an uncommon cyclohexane group, with implications for understanding oceanic nitrogen cycles and reconstructing past sea temperatures.
Lipidated Atg8 has been found to exhibit membrane transforming activity, interacting with the membrane via two aromatic amino acids. This interaction promotes autophagosome formation by perturbing and transforming membranes.
A study by Aarhus University suggests that changes in lipid composition within the brain cell membrane can weaken the protective effect of a protein dimerization process, leading to increased release of toxic amyloid-beta peptides. The researchers propose targeting lipid modulation as a novel strategy for Alzheimer's disease therapeutics.
Researchers uncover key mechanism of acyl protein thioesterase APT2's membrane binding and function. APT2 binds membranes through electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic loop, enabling deacetylating proteins.
The Biophysical Society has selected 31 student researchers who presented outstanding work at the annual meeting poster competition. These students demonstrated exceptional skills in bioenergetics, bioengineering, biological fluorescence, and other areas of biophysics.
A new microscopy technique, SPOT, allows for the simultaneous observation of multiple organelles and their complex lipid dynamics. This breakthrough enables researchers to study organelle interactions, diagnose diseases, and monitor progression with unprecedented precision.
A team of biophysics developed a computer model that shows antiseptics cause changes in bacterial membrane structure, making them weaker and more susceptible to external factors. The study's results can help combat bacterial resistance by optimizing antiseptic use and developing new agents.
Researchers have found a group of bacteria thriving in the deep-sea Black Sea with genetic material carrying both bacterial and archaeal lipid pathways. This discovery suggests that 'mixed' membranes may be more widespread than previously thought, bridging the membrane lipid divide between Bacteria and Archaea.
A new study led by Assistant Professor Rana Ashkar of Virginia Tech Department of Physics finds that cholesterol actually does adhere to biophysical principles and causes membrane stiffening.
Research led by Daniel Lietha has uncovered the structural basis of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) activation on lipid membranes. FAK is activated when localized to the cell membrane, where it interacts with specific phosphoinositide lipids, leading to autophosphorylation and activation.
Researchers develop new method to study α-synuclein protein's interaction with cell membranes, revealing damage occurs at very low concentrations. The method uses lipid vesicles as mimics of cellular membranes and shows that α-synuclein binds to and destroys mitochondrial-like membranes.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Princeton University have discovered the 3D structure and mode of action of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1), a key enzyme in triglyceride synthesis and fat absorption. This finding opens opportunities for designing novel strategies to manage obesity and other metabolic diseases.
Researchers from the University of Groningen developed an algorithm that links large-scale changes to molecular-level simulations, enabling the simulation of a full-sized mitochondrial lipid membrane. This breakthrough allows for whole-cell simulations at a molecular level.
Researchers developed open-source software PCAlipids to analyze individual lipid molecules, highlighting the effects of temperature and cholesterol on their behavior. The study aims to better understand the mechanisms behind these interactions.
Scientists used computer simulations to study the interaction between actin and cell membranes, revealing that calcium ions play a key role in binding. The results provide new insights into the fundamental process of actin binding to membrane lipids.
A team of researchers has refuted a 50-year-old theory on cell membrane regulation by discovering that the packing density of lipid atoms determines sensor activation. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that sensing membrane fluidity is crucial for adaptability.
Researchers develop new model to simulate lipid raft formation on a nanometric scale, confirming high dynamicity and existence of 10 nanoseconds. Cholesterol discovered to destabilize membranes and enable nanotubes to leave cells in milliseconds.
A team of researchers found that tiny gas-filled bubbles in volcanic rocks can facilitate physicochemical interactions, potentially accelerating prebiotic chemical evolution. The study suggests that temperature differences at these interfaces could have initiated the emergence of living systems on early Earth.
Researchers discovered rhodopsin forms transient clusters within disc membranes in retina, acting as platforms for light to chemical signal conversion. These clusters are concentrated in the center of disc membranes and exhibit properties similar to rafts.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified a novel way to prevent water from forming ice crystals by creating a new class of lipids that form a 'soft' biological matter. This material confines water in narrow channels, preventing it from freezing even at extreme sub-zero temperatures.
A study published in Nature Plants has revealed structural networks of tubules at the plant-fungal interface that facilitate lipid transfer between organisms, potentially shedding light on mechanisms of symbiotic relationships and their role in reducing fertilizer usage.
A new mathematical model describes how ion adsorption affects biological membranes' electrical properties at different pH levels. The model reveals that calcium ions have a greater ability to adsorb than barium ions, with hydroxide-containing ions being more readily absorbed.
Scientists have discovered how COQ9 binds to aromatic isoprene lipids, accessing membranes through an amphipathic helix. This finding presents new insights into the production of CoQ and may inform strategies to treat lipid deficiency disorders.
Researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham discover how Avian Sarcoma Virus binds to cell membrane, providing insights into HIV-1 replication and potential treatment strategies. The study reveals a crucial cluster of four lysine amino acids that interact with acidic membrane lipids.
Researchers discovered a new transport mechanism of nanomaterial through a cell membrane by tuning the membrane tension. Ultra-short carbon nanotubes can escape from the bilayer under certain conditions, which may have implications for public health and drug delivery.
A team of researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University has gained the clearest view yet of a patch of cell membrane and its components, revealing an unexpected hexagonal structure. This discovery opens up new possibilities for pharmaceutical research, particularly in targeting medical drugs that interact with cell membranes.
Olsen's research aims to understand the role of lipid production in longevity and long-term health, with implications for age-related diseases like Alzheimer's. She hopes to develop new medications or lipid replacement treatments to alleviate disease and promote healthy aging.
Scientists develop FliptR, a fluorescent molecule that measures cell membrane tension, revealing how cells adapt their surface to volume changes. The discovery paves the way for applications in cancer cell detection and membrane tension regulation.
Research reveals that lipids in artificial cell membranes form clusters and domains due to interactions with hydrophilic polymer chains, similar to glycolipids in cell membranes. The study used fluorescence microscopy and AFM to examine the effects of PEG-modified lipids on domain formation.