Phospholipid flip-flop in biogenic membranes: what is needed to connect opposite sides.
Phospholipids are synthesized in biogenic membranes, but only on one leaflet of the bilayer. To support balanced growth of the membrane, phospholipid translocation, or flip-flop, has to occur. Though consensus has been reached that flip-flop is most likely mediated by (a) membrane-associated protein(s), a dedicated flippase has not been identified yet in any biogenic membrane. The characteristics of the flip-flop process are summarized, and possible mechanisms, including the need for a dedicated flippase, are discussed.
Department of Biochemistry of Membranes, Center for Biomembranes and Lipid Enzymology, Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.a.kol@chem.uu.nl
Matthijs A
MA
Kol
Ben
B
de Kruijff
Anton I P M
AI
de Kroon
D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000378:metabolism; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000378:metabolism; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry; D049294:Phospholipid Transfer Proteins; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D010455:Peptides; D049294:Phospholipid Transfer Proteins; D010743:Phospholipids