Organization in lipid membranes containing cholesterol

Phys Rev Lett. 2002 Dec 23;89(26):268101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.268101. Epub 2002 Dec 9.

Abstract

A fundamental attribute of raft formation in cell membranes is lateral separation of lipids into coexisting liquid phases. Using fluorescence microscopy, we observe spontaneous lateral separation in free-floating giant unilamellar vesicles. We record coexisting liquid domains over a range of composition and temperature significantly wider than previously reported. Furthermore, we establish correlations between miscibility in bilayers and in monolayers. For example, the same lipid mixtures that produce liquid domains in bilayer membranes produce two upper miscibility critical points in the phase diagrams of monolayers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cholestanol / chemistry
  • Cholesterol / chemistry*
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism
  • Liposomes / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Phosphatidylcholines / chemistry*

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Liposomes
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Cholestanol
  • Cholesterol