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Related Concept Videos

Assembly of Signaling Complexes01:30

Assembly of Signaling Complexes

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Multiprotein signaling complexes are formed in a dynamic process involving protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic domain of transmembrane receptors or enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins associated with the receptor. These complexes ensure the activation and propagation of intracellular signals that regulate cell functions.
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
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Lipids as Anchors01:32

Lipids as Anchors

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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.
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Phosphoinositides and PIPs01:42

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Phosphoinositides are a group of phospholipids containing a glycerol backbone with two fatty acid chains and a phosphate attached to a myoinositol sugar ring. The inositol head group extends into the cytoplasm, where it is modified by adding phosphate groups to form phosphatidylinositol phosphates or PIPs.
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Membrane Lipids01:32

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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Types of Signaling Molecules01:32

Types of Signaling Molecules

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In multicellular organisms, many molecules transmit signals between cells to pass information. These signals vary in complexity and include small peptides, nucleotides, steroids, fatty acid derivatives, and dissolved gases such as nitric oxide. Some signaling molecules diffuse through the plasma membrane to act locally between neighboring cells or travel long distances. Others remain attached to the cell surface, transmitting information to other cells only when they make contact. In some...
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Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer01:35

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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%...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2025

A Pipeline to Investigate the Structures and Signaling Pathways of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptors
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A Pipeline to Investigate the Structures and Signaling Pathways of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptors

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Sphingolipids: From structural components to signaling hubs.

Batoul M Issleny1, Rama Jamjoum1, Saurav Majumder2

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Birzeit University, West Bank, Palestine.

The Enzymes
|November 9, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Professor Lina M. Obeid pioneered research into sphingolipid biochemistry. Her work revealed these lipids

Keywords:
ApoptosisAutophagyCellular signalingGene expressionLina M. ObeidLipid signalingSphingolipid functionsStructural componentsUnorthodox structures

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Fluorescence-Based Measurements of Phosphatidylserine/Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate Exchange Between Membranes
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PIP-on-a-chip: A Label-free Study of Protein-phosphoinositide Interactions
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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Lipids, essential macromolecules, form cellular architecture and were historically viewed as solely structural.
  • Unlike other macromolecules, lipids exhibit structural diversity, leading to functional pleiotropy.
  • Sphingolipids, a major lipid subset, have evolved from inert membrane components to crucial signaling molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the historical progression of sphingolipid research.
  • To highlight the functional transition of sphingolipids from structural to signaling roles.
  • To emphasize the contributions of Professor Lina M. Obeid to sphingolipid biochemistry.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the evolution of sphingolipid research.
  • Analysis of key discoveries in sphingolipid biochemistry.
  • Highlighting seminal works in the field, particularly those by Lina M. Obeid.

Main Results:

  • Sphingolipids were initially recognized for their structural role in plasma membranes.
  • Research has uncovered the critical involvement of sphingolipids in diverse cellular signaling pathways.
  • The functional repertoire of sphingolipids extends to regulating numerous cellular processes.

Conclusions:

  • Sphingolipids are dynamic molecules with essential roles beyond cellular structure.
  • Professor Obeid's foundational work was pivotal in understanding sphingolipid signaling.
  • Continued research into sphingolipids promises further insights into cellular regulation and disease.