What are lipid binding domains?

Despite specific or nonspecific interactions primarily with anionic lipids, lipid-binding domains have distinct membrane binding mechanisms allowing control in cellular signaling mechanisms and a niche to be exploited in drug development.

What domains bind with phosphoinositide lipids?

Domains shown to recognize phosphoinositides now include FYVE, PX (phox hom- ology), PH (pleckstrin homology), ENTH, ANTH, Tubby, and FERM domains (4), as well as several other proteins involved in the control of endocytosis and/or cytoskeletal assembly (Table1).

How is the lipid bilayer best described?

The lipid bilayer (or phospholipid bilayer) is a thin polar membrane made of two layers of lipid molecules. These membranes are flat sheets that form a continuous barrier around all cells.

What binds phospholipid?

Key Points. At least 10 different types of globular protein domain are known that bind membrane phospholipids. Acidic phospholipids (especially phosphatidylserine and phosphoinositides) are the primary binding targets.

What is the role of phosphatidylinositol?

Phosphoinositides are a family of minority acidic phospholipids in cell membranes. Their principal role is instructional: they interact with proteins. In summary, phosphoinositides contribute to the selection of peripheral proteins for each membrane and regulate the activity of the integral proteins.

Why is a lipid bilayer a barrier to the diffusion of polar molecules?

The lipid bilayer forms a barrier to molecules because it consists of closely-packed molecules with long nonpolar hydrocarbon chains.

How does the lipid bilayer work?

In water, phospholipids spontaneously form a double layer called a lipid bilayer in which the hydrophobic tails of phospholipid molecules are sandwiched between two layers of hydrophilic heads (see figure below). The lipid bilayer acts as a barrier to the passage of molecules and ions into and out of the cell.

Do proteins bind to phospholipids?

Phospholipid binding proteins, especially β2GP1 and Annexin V, form complexes with phospholipids, and have an important regulatory function in controlling the biological activity of these phospholipid surfaces (β2GP1, and, especially Annexin V, have an anticoagulant function).

What are phospholipids good for?

Phospholipids are essential to health. They play a number of roles in the body, acting as a major component of cellular membranes and facilitating the absorption and transportation of important omega-3 fats throughout the body.