A role for lipid shells in targeting proteins to caveolae, rafts, and other lipid domains.
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.
Anderson
Richard G W
RG
Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9039, USA. richard.anderson@utsouthwestern.edu
Jacobson
Ken
K
D000818:Animals; D021941:Caveolae / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D021962:Membrane Microdomains / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding; D021381:Protein Transport; D013107:Sphingolipids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D055672:Static Electricity; D013816:Thermodynamics
D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D013107:Sphingolipids; D002784:Cholesterol