Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Hirama T
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5680216 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Hirama Takashi T Lu Stella M SM Kay Jason G JG Maekawa Masashi M Kozlov Michael M MM Grinstein Sergio S Fairn Gregory D GD
Nature communications 20171109 1
The plasma membrane is uniquely enriched in phosphatidylserine (PtdSer). This anionic phospholipid is restricted almost exclusively to the inner leaflet of the plasmalemma. Because of their high density, the headgroups of anionic lipids experience electrostatic repulsion that, being exerted asymmetrically, is predicted to favor membrane curvature. We demonstrate that cholesterol limits this repulsion and tendency to curve. Removal of cholesterol or insertion of excess PtdSer increases the charge ...[more]