Cellular membranes, which are self-assembled bilayer structures mainly composed of lipids, proteins and conjugated polysaccharides, are the defining feature of cell physiology. It is likely that the complexity of contemporary cells was preceded by simpler chemical systems or protocells during the various evolutionary stages that led from inanimate to living matter. It is also likely that primitive membranes played a similar role in protocell 'physiology'. The composition of such ancestral membranes has been proposed as mixtures of single hydrocarbon chain amphiphiles, which are simpler versions of modern lipids. In this review, we discuss the origins, self-assembly patterns, potential functions of these amphiphiles, and their possible roles in protocell activities, as well as their possible evolution towards modern lipids.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.07.009 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Saturated fat in an evolutionary context.
Lipids Health Dis
January 2025
Institute of Health, Oslo New University College, Ullevålsveien 76, Oslo, 0454, Norway.
Evolutionary perspectives have yielded profound insights in health and medical sciences. A fundamental recognition is that modern diet and lifestyle practices are mismatched with the human physiological constitution, shaped over eons in response to environmental selective pressures. This Darwinian angle can help illuminate and resolve issues in nutrition, including the contentious issue of fat consumption.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhytic acid-based nanomedicine against mTOR represses lipogenesis and immune response for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis therapy.
Life Metab
December 2024
State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases and is mainly caused by metabolic disorders and systemic inflammatory responses. Recent studies have indicated that the activation of the mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling participates in MASH progression by facilitating lipogenesis and regulating the immune microenvironment. Although several molecular medicines have been demonstrated to inhibit the phosphorylation or activation of mTOR, their poor specificity and side effects limit their clinical application in MASH treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFASFV infection induces lipid metabolic disturbances and promotes viral replication.
Front Microbiol
January 2025
China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, China.
Introduction: African swine fever is a highly transmissible and lethal infectious disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), which has considerably impacted the global swine industry. Lipid metabolism plays a vital role in sustaining lipid and energy homeostasis within cells and influences the viral life cycle.
Methods And Results: In this study, we found that ASFV infection disrupts lipid metabolism in the host.
Mechanisms involved in the valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity: A Comprehensive review.
Toxicol Mech Methods
January 2025
Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's NMIMS School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, Babulde, Shirpur, 425405 Maharashtra, India.
Adverse drug reactions (ADR) remain a challenge in modern healthcare, particularly given the increasing complexity of therapeutics. WHO's definition of an adverse drug reaction as a response to a drug that is noxious and unintended and occurs at doses normally used in man for the prophylaxis, diagnosis or therapy of disease, or for modification of physiological function. This definition underscores the importance of monitoring and mitigating unintended drug effects, particularly for widely used medications like valproic acid (VPA).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDevelopment and Evaluation of Aloperine-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
Int J Nanomedicine
January 2025
School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China.
Objective: This study focuses on the development and evaluation of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with aloperine as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Methods: The NLCs were designed to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of aloperine, a compound with vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Through a series of experiments including single-factor experimentation, transmission electron microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and tissue distribution studies, we assessed the physicochemical properties, drug release profiles, and in vitro and in vivo performance of this novel nanocarrier.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!