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Related Concept Videos

Membrane Lipids01:32

Membrane Lipids

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.
Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin are the most common phospholipids present in mammalian membranes. At physiological pH, phosphatidylserine is negatively charged, while the other three...
Membrane Lipids01:32

Membrane Lipids

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.
Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin are the most common phospholipids present in mammalian membranes. At physiological pH, phosphatidylserine is negatively charged, while the other three...
Surface Membrane Barriers01:18

Surface Membrane Barriers

The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Biosynthesis of Lipids01:29

Biosynthesis of Lipids

Microbial membranes exhibit remarkable diversity in lipid composition, reflecting evolutionary adaptations to various environmental conditions. The three domains of life—Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya—synthesize membrane lipids through distinct biosynthetic pathways, leading to fundamental structural differences that impact membrane stability, function, and adaptability.Fatty Acid-Based Lipids in Bacteria and EukaryaBacteria and eukaryotes share a common fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, which...
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer01:35

Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer

Biological membranes show uneven distribution of different types of lipids in the inner and outer layers, resulting in transverse asymmetric membranes. The treatment of the erythrocyte membrane with the enzyme phospholipase confirmed the asymmetric nature of the lipid bilayer. The enzyme hydrolyzes lipids into fatty acids and hydrophilic groups. The phospholipase acts only on the outer layer of the membrane, while the inner layer remains intact. The phospholipase treatment resulted in 80%...
Lipids as Anchors01:32

Lipids as Anchors

In the plasma membrane, the lipids forming the bilayer can also act as an anchor to tether proteins to the membrane. The three main types of lipid anchors found in eukaryotes are – prenyl groups, fatty acyl groups, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol or GPI groups. Prenyl and fatty acyl groups act as anchors on the cytosolic surface of the membrane, whereas GPI anchors proteins on the extracellular side.
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Profiling the Triacylglyceride Contents in Bat Integumentary Lipids by Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
09:18

Profiling the Triacylglyceride Contents in Bat Integumentary Lipids by Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Published on: September 5, 2013

Epidermal surface lipids.

Apostolos Pappas1

  • 1The Johnson & Johnson Skin Research Center; CPPW, a Division of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.; Skillman, New Jersey USA.

Dermato-Endocrinology
|March 13, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Skin surface lipids originate from both sebaceous glands and epidermal cells. Understanding their distinct compositions is crucial for skin health and acne pathophysiology.

Keywords:
ceramidedesaturasefatty acidlipidsebaceousskinsqualenewax

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Last Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Profiling the Triacylglyceride Contents in Bat Integumentary Lipids by Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
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Realistic Membrane Modeling Using Complex Lipid Mixtures in Simulation Studies

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Biochemistry
  • Skin Physiology

Background:

  • The skin surface is covered by a lipid layer derived from both sebaceous glands and keratinocytes.
  • The composition of these surface lipids varies based on sampling methods and the relative contribution of each source.
  • Sebaceous lipids, rich in nonpolar compounds like triglycerides, dominate lipid extracts in sebaceous gland-rich areas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate and characterize the lipid origins and compositions on the skin surface.
  • To investigate the role of epidermal lipids in skin barrier function and acne development.
  • To highlight the significance of sebaceous lipid composition in acne pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of lipid composition from skin surface samples.
  • Differentiation of lipid fractions based on cellular origin (sebaceous vs. epidermal).
  • Review of recent studies on epidermal surface lipid functions in normal skin and acne.

Main Results:

  • Epidermal lipids, including ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol, fill intercellular spaces.
  • Sebaceous lipids, primarily nonpolar (triglycerides, wax esters, squalene), are secreted onto the skin surface.
  • Elevated sebum excretion is a key factor in the development of acne.

Conclusions:

  • Sebaceous and epidermal lipids have distinct compositions and functions.
  • Understanding these lipid profiles is essential for managing skin conditions like acne.
  • Further research continues to elucidate the roles of epidermal surface lipids in skin health.