Abstract
The surface membrane of cells is studded with morphologically distinct regions, or domains, like microvilli, cell-cell junctions, and coated pits. Each of these domains is specialized for a particular function, such as nutrient absorption, cell-cell communication, and endocytosis. Lipid domains, which include caveolae and rafts, are one of the least understood membrane domains. These domains are high in cholesterol and sphingolipids, have a light buoyant density, and function in both endocytosis and cell signaling. A major mystery, however, is how resident molecules are targeted to lipid domains. Here, we propose that the molecular address for proteins targeted to lipid domains is a lipid shell.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Caveolae / chemistry
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Caveolae / metabolism*
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Caveolae / ultrastructure
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Cholesterol / chemistry
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Cholesterol / metabolism*
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Glycosylphosphatidylinositols / chemistry
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Glycosylphosphatidylinositols / metabolism
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Humans
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Hydrogen Bonding
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Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
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Lipid Bilayers
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Membrane Microdomains / chemistry
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Membrane Microdomains / metabolism*
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Membrane Microdomains / ultrastructure
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Membrane Proteins / chemistry
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Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
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Protein Binding
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Protein Transport*
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Sphingolipids / chemistry
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Sphingolipids / metabolism*
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Static Electricity
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Thermodynamics
Substances
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Glycosylphosphatidylinositols
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Lipid Bilayers
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Membrane Proteins
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Sphingolipids
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Cholesterol