High Cholesterol/Low Cholesterol: Effects in Biological Membranes: A Review

Cell Biochem Biophys. 2017 Dec;75(3-4):369-385. doi: 10.1007/s12013-017-0792-7. Epub 2017 Apr 17.

Abstract

Lipid composition determines membrane properties, and cholesterol plays a major role in this determination as it regulates membrane fluidity and permeability, as well as induces the formation of coexisting phases and domains in the membrane. Biological membranes display a very diverse lipid composition, the lateral organization of which plays a crucial role in regulating a variety of membrane functions. We hypothesize that, during biological evolution, membranes with a particular cholesterol content were selected to perform certain functions in the cells of eukaryotic organisms. In this review, we discuss the major membrane properties induced by cholesterol, and their relationship to certain membrane functions.

Keywords: Cholesterol; EPR; Lipid spin label; Membrane domains; Oximetry.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cholesterol / chemistry*
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism
  • Membrane Fluidity
  • Phospholipids / chemistry
  • Phospholipids / metabolism
  • Solubility
  • Spin Labels

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Phospholipids
  • Spin Labels
  • Cholesterol