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Membrane Lipids

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Lipids are an essential component of all biological membranes. The average lipid content in mammalian membranes is 50%, though it can be as low as 20% in the inner mitochondrial membrane or as high as 80% in the myelin sheath present around the nerve cells.
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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Fluorescence-Based Measurements of Phosphatidylserine/Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate Exchange Between Membranes

Fluorescence-Based Measurements of Phosphatidylserine/Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate Exchange Between Membranes

Published on: March 14, 2021

Sphingolipid transport in eukaryotic cells.

G van Meer¹, J C Holthuis

¹Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. g.vanmeer@amc.uva.nl

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta

|June 17, 2000

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Sphingolipids are vital eukaryotic membrane lipids. This review explores how proteins controlling sphingolipid synthesis, breakdown, and transport regulate their cellular concentration and functions.

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Membrane Biology

Background:

Sphingolipids are essential membrane components in eukaryotes.
They play key roles in membrane organization, cell signaling, and cell interactions.
Sphingolipid-derived molecules act as second messengers.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the intricate control of sphingolipid intracellular topology.
To highlight the role of proteins in regulating sphingolipid concentration and function.

Main Methods:

Literature review of sphingolipid metabolism and function.
Analysis of protein-mediated regulation of sphingolipid transport and homeostasis.

Main Results:

Sphingolipids are crucial for membrane domain organization, protein sorting, and signaling.
Glycosphingolipids mediate cell recognition, differentiation, and interactions.
Sphingolipid metabolism generates second messengers impacting cellular homeostasis.

Conclusions:

Protein-mediated regulation of sphingolipid synthesis, hydrolysis, and transport is critical.
Precise control of sphingolipid local concentration dictates their diverse cellular roles.
Understanding sphingolipid topology is key to comprehending eukaryotic cell function.