Cell membrane structure and lipoprotein metabolism

Knowledge of the effect of the plasma membrane structure on lipoprotein metabolism is relatively limited. Receptor activity and, thereby, the endocytic pathway of lipoprotein particle catabolism is reported to be affected. The reverse cholesterol transport pathway is clearly affected because altered rates of cholesterol efflux from different cellular plasma membranes have been observed. Changes in the structure and lipid organization of the membranes in arterial wall cells can also alter vessel relaxation.