Recent developments in experimental and computational chemistry, physics and life sciences have enabled a greater quantitative understanding of lipid asymmetry and its coupling to protein function. This Discussion explores the various facets of membrane asymmetry, bringing together experts in membrane physical chemistry, membrane biophysics, and membrane physiology.
In this volume the topics covered include:
- Plasma membrane asymmetry and lipid homeostasis
- Engineering plasma membrane mimics
- Structure and dynamics of asymmetric membranes
- Proteins in asymmetric membranes
Developments in experimental and computational chemistry, physics and life sciences have enabled a greater quantitative understanding of lipid asymmetry and its coupling to protein function. This Discussion explores the physical chemistry, biophysics and physiology of membrane asymmetry.
Plasma membrane asymmetry and lipid homeostasis
The omics era has provided much data on phospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols
and proteins located in different membranes, although information on their
functional relevance remains limited. This section address challenges such as
measuring trans-leaflet lipid distribution, including the spatiotemporal
relation to overall lipid composition, and dissecting secondary lipid
messengers from lipid players with respect to bulk membrane properties.
Engineering plasma membrane mimics
Quantification of physicochemical properties of realistic plasma membrane
mimics hinges on the controlled production of asymmetric bilayers in the
presence and absence of integral or peripheral membrane proteins. This
section discusses recently developed asymmetric membrane procedures and how
these might be improved.
Structure and dynamics of asymmetric membranes
In this session we will seek to obtain physicochemical insights from
lipid-only plasma membrane mimics. The section includes minimum realistic
mimics of mammalian or bacterial plasma membranes, as well as the role of
cholesterol in tuning and maintaining membrane asymmetry.
Proteins in asymmetric membranes
This section focuses on integral proteins functionally reconstituted into
asymmetric membranes. Topics will include folding and reconstitution of
proteins in asymmetric lipid membranes, control of protein directionality,
and stability of lipid asymmetry in the presence of integral proteins.
Faraday Discussions documents a long-established series of Faraday Discussion meetings which provide a unique international forum for the exchange of views and newly acquired results in developing areas of physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry and chemical physics. The papers presented are published in the Faraday Discussion volume together with a record of the discussion contributions made at the meeting. Faraday Discussions therefore provide an important record of current international knowledge and views in the field concerned. The latest (2022) impact factor of Faraday Discussions is 3.4.
