5-PC as a Lipid Probe Molecule and as a Second Phospholipid in Binary Phospholipid Mixtures: Saturation Recovery EPR Studies.

Mixtures of two phospholipids (PLs) with different main phase transition temperatures were investigated. Host PLs (HPLs) were represented by DMPC, DPPC, DSPC, and DMPE. The admixed PL was the spin-labeled phosphatidylcholine 5-PC(1-palmitoyl-2-(5-doxylstearoyl)phosphatidylcholine), with a unique opportunity to monitor the properties and the local environments of all admixed PL molecules using saturation recovery EPR methods.

Protecting the Eye Lens from Oxidative Stress through Oxygen Regulation.

Molecular oxygen is a primary oxidant that is involved in the formation of active oxygen species and in the oxidation of lipids and proteins. Thus, controlling oxygen partial pressure (concentration) in the human organism, tissues, and organs can be the first step in protecting them against oxidative stress. However, it is not an easy task because oxygen is necessary for ATP synthesis by mitochondria and in many biochemical reactions taking place in all cells in the human body.

An Overview of Lutein in the Lipid Membrane.

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and -zeaxanthin (a steroisomer of zeaxanthin) are macular pigments. They modify the physical properties of the lipid bilayers in a manner similar to cholesterol. It is not clear if these pigments are directly present in the lipid phase of the membranes, or if they form complexes with specific membrane proteins that retain them in high amounts in the correct place in the retina.

Electroformation of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles from Damp Lipid Films Formed by Vesicle Fusion.

Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are artificial membrane models which are of special interest to researchers because of their similarity in size to eukaryotic cells. The most commonly used method for GUVs production is electroformation. However, the traditional electroformation protocol involves a step in which the organic solvent is completely evaporated, leaving behind a dry lipid film.

Membrane Models and Experiments Suitable for Studies of the Cholesterol Bilayer Domains.

Cholesterol (Chol) is an essential component of animal cell membranes and is most abundant in plasma membranes (PMs) where its concentration typically ranges from 10 to 30 mol%. However, in red blood cells and Schwann cells, PMs Chol content is as high as 50 mol%, and in the PMs of the eye lens fiber cells, it can reach up to 66 mol%. Being amphiphilic, Chol molecules are easily incorporated into the lipid bilayer where they affect the membrane lateral organization and transmembrane physical properties.