Although previously thought to be merely passive structural components, membrane lipids have recently been found to be actively involved in cellular transport and signal transduction processes. Clear protocols for the study of membrane lipid properties, cellular transport or signal transduction are presented in this manual. Following a short introduction to membrane lipids, techniques for the isolation and extraction of membrane fractions, the analysis of the lipid composition, lipid turnover, and the involvement in signal transduction as well as the preparation of liposomes are described.

Although previously thought to be merely passive structural components, membrane lipids have recently been found to be actively involved in cellular transport and signal transduction processes. Clear protocols for the study of membrane lipid properties, cellular transport or signal transduction are presented in this manual. Following a short introduction to membrane lipids, techniques for the isolation and extraction of membrane fractions, the analysis of the lipid composition, lipid turnover, and the involvement in signal transduction as well as the preparation of liposomes are described.

This detailed book explores examples of current in vitro and in silico techniques that are at the forefront of lipid membrane research today. Beginning with methods and strategies associated with the creation and use of lipid membrane models in various research settings, the volume continues with electrical impedance spectroscopy strategies and methods to identify how ions and proteins interact with model lipid bilayers, guidance on lipid bilayer in silico molecular dynamics modeling, novel techniques to explore lipid bilayer characteristics using neutron scattering, IR spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as unique fluorescence techniques. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series style, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Membrane Lipids: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers seeking to further investigate the often complicated world of lipid membrane biophysics.

This book provides a concise description of the metabolic pathways by which lipids of animal and plant membranes are formed. The book emphasizes modulation of these pathways by hormones, diet, environmental stress, and other factors. This new edition is extensively revised, containing new material on topics such as lipid-mediated signal transduction and lipid-induced protein translocation. The new edition also features an entirely new chapter on lipids covalently bound to proteins. The book is excellent for all researchers and students interested in membrane lipid metabolism.

This book presents a compendium of methodologies for the study of membrane lipids, varying from traditional lab bench experimentation to computer simulation and theoretical models. The volume provides a comprehensive set of techniques for studying membrane lipids with a strong biophysical emphasis. It compares the various available techniques including the pros and cons as seen by the experts.

The first and only book devoted entirely to MEMBRANE LIPID ASYMMETRY AND ITS BIOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS Transmembrane Dynamics of Lipids is comprised of contributions from expert authors from leading research groups that present up-to-date quantitative data on the formation, stability, and biological consequences of the asymmetrical organization of lipids in cell membranes. Incorporating an impressive amount of new, previously uncollected data, the book examines transmembrane asymmetry and movement of lipids in biological membranes, and methods for the measurement of transmembrane lipid motion, emphasizing the role of lipid flippases and discusses biological functions associated with lipid asymmetry. In addition, it draws attention to important new discoveries in the field, such as the correlation between malfunction of lipid flippases and human diseases such as thrombosis and cancer. The book also addresses the manifold methods that are used to measure the rate of transmembrane movement of lipids in biological and model systems. The only guide to new discoveries regarding lipids in cell membranes, Transmembrane Dynamics of Lipids is designed to appeal to biophysicists, biochemists, and cellular and molecular biologists working in the growing field of membrane research.

This handbook provides a unique overview of lipid membrane fundamentals and applications. The fascinating world of lipids that harbor and govern so many biological functionalities are discussed within the context of membrane structures, interactions, and shape evolution. Beyond the fundamentals in lipid science, this handbook focuses on how scientists are building bioinspired biomimetic systems for applications in medicine, cosmetics, and nanotechnology. Key Features: Includes experimental and theoretical overviews on the role of lipids, with or without associated biomolecules, as structural components imparting distinct membrane shapes and intermembrane interactions Covers the mechanisms of lipid-membrane curvature, by peptide and protein binding, and the roles of signalling lipids and the cytoskeleton in plasma membrane shape evolution Covers advanced X-ray and force measurement techniques Discusses applications in biomedicine, cosmetics, and nanotechnology, including lipid vectors in nucleic acid, drug delivery in dermal applications, and lipid-based sensors and artificial biointerfaces Covers artificial membranes from block copolymers, synthetic copolypeptides, and recombinant proteins Includes an exciting section that explores the role of lipids in the origin of life in hydrothermal conditions This book is a highly informative companion for professionals in biophysics, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and material and pharmaceutical sciences and bioengineering.

The growing interest in recent years in the anchoring to membranes of proteins by post translational modification is documented by the large number of publications which ap peared in this field. In September 1987, scientists from 10 countries from all over the world met in the resort village of Les Diablerets, Switzerland, to discuss the most recent advances made in this field. The sessions were devoted to the anchoring of membrane proteins by cova lent attachment of fatty acids and of glycophospholipids. The workshop brought together many scientists working on vastly different proteins such as the variant surface glycoprotein of Trypanosomes and antigens of the mammalian cells. The subject of the workshop unified many scientists who had not met before and thus greatly stimulated interdisciplinary work. In addition to the lectures, each participant was provided with a collection of Methods currently in use in the study of membrane proteins anchored by post-translational modifica tion. An updated version of this collection is now presented as a Laboratory Manual, and the techniques described therein will give researchers easy and practical access to the investiga tion of post-translationally modified proteins. The publication of the present book by Springer follows an established tradition of previously published manuals on the handling of membrane proteins. Our thanks go to the authors who made the essential contribution in writing and adapting the experimental protocols, to Mrs. R.

The major lipid components of biological membranes can undergo many diverse and fascinating morphological rearrangements. Studies of these diverse phases and the manner in which they are formed tends to alter the properties of ordinary bilayer membranes. This book examines the structural and biological roles of lipids forming non-lamellar structures.Key Features* Characterization of non-lamellar structures * Protein activity and membrane properties* Analysis of membrane fusion* Affect of non-lamellar forming lipids on biological systems

The lipids of cellular membranes not only serve roles in controlling the structure and fluidity of the membrane, but are increasingly recognized for their roles as signalling molecules and modifiers of membrane protein function. Recent studies described in this volume reveal striking changes in membrane lipids during aging and in age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Lipids including inositol phospholipids, cholesterol, sphingolipids and ceramides play important roles in signalling cellular responses to stress and specific stimuli such as growth factors, cytokines and neurotransmitters. One or more of these lipid mediators has been linked to the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. This book provides a comprehensive review of specific membrane lipid mediators and their roles in aging and age-related disease.