Linked Life Data

17511638

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/17511638

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
Pt 3
pubmed:dateCreated
2007-5-21
pubmed:abstractText
The nature of the bilayer motif coupled with the ability of lipids and proteins to diffuse freely through this structure is crucial to the viability of cells and their ability to compartmentalize domains contained therein. It seems surprising to find then that biological as well as model membranes exist in a dynamic state of mechanical stress. The stresses within such membranes are surprisingly large, typically reaching up to 50 atm (1 atm=101.325 kPa) at the core of the membrane and vary as a function of depth. The uneven distribution of lateral pressures within monolayer leaflets causes them to bend away from or towards the water interface. This can result in the formation of complex, self-assembled mesophases, many of which occur in vivo. Our knowledge of the principles underlying membrane mechanics has reached the point where we are now able to manipulate them and create nano-structures with reasonable predictability. In addition, they can be used both to explain and control the partitioning of amphipathic proteins on to membranes. The dependence of the dynamics of membrane-bound proteins and the chemical reactivity of amphipathic drug molecules on membrane stresses suggests that Nature itself takes advantage of this. Understanding and manipulating these internal forces will be a key element in creating self-assembled, biocompatible, nanoscale cell-like systems.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jun
pubmed:issn
0300-5127
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
35
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
498-501
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2007
pubmed:articleTitle
Using membrane stress to our advantage.
pubmed:affiliation
Chemical Biology Centre, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't