Membrane Lipids

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.

Biochemistry of Lipids: Lipoproteins and Membranes, Volume Six, contains concise chapters that cover a wide spectrum of topics in the field of lipid biochemistry and cell biology. It provides an important bridge between broad-based biochemistry textbooks and more technical research publications, offering cohesive, foundational information. It is a valuable tool for advanced graduate students and researchers who are interested in exploring lipid biology in more detail, and includes overviews of lipid biology in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, while also providing fundamental background on the subsequent descriptions of fatty acid synthesis, desaturation and elongation, and the pathways that lead the synthesis of complex phospholipids, sphingolipids, and their structural variants. Also covered are sections on how bioactive lipids are involved in cell signaling with an emphasis on disease implications and pathological consequences. Serves as a general reference book for scientists studying lipids, lipoproteins and membranes and as an advanced and up-to-date textbook for teachers and students who are familiar with the basic concepts of lipid biochemistry References from current literature will be included in each chapter to facilitate more in-depth study Key concepts are supported by figures and models to improve reader understanding Chapters provide historical perspective and current analysis of each topic

This volume expands upon the previous edition with current, detailed protocols for investigating membranes and their component lipids in artificial membranes, cells, and in silico. Chapters focus on properties of the component lipids, membranes and their biophysical properties, fluorescent probes for studying membranes, sample preparation, physical techniques to study membrane composition, properties , and function, behavior of cholesterol within a bilayer and examination of cholesterol-dependent phase separation. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Methods in Membrane Lipids, Second Edition seeks to aid scientist in further study into membrane lipids.

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.

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.

The aim of this book is to bring together in one volume the current research and thought on the concept of membrane fluidity as a biological phenomenon. The invited articles are intended to review recent develop ments in the areas of membrane research covered and to summarize the current concepts and theories in those areas. The authors have been given ample opportunity to present their thoughts and speculation on membrane fluidity and related phenomena in a more expanded form than is usually possible in reviews of this type. It is hoped that this approach will have a stimulating effect on research and theoretical development in the biomem brane field. The chapters in this book are arranged in three sections, the first of which covers physical studies of membrane fluidity and related phenomena on the molecular level. Included are chapters on intermolecular hydrogen bonding between membrane lipids, thermal analysis of membranes, appli cation of fluorescence and NMR spectrometry to the study of membrane fluidity, and the effect of drugs and other compounds on membrane stability and fluidity. The second section deals with the regulation of membrane fluidity in microorganisms, plants, and higher organisms by factors such as tem perature, fatty acid chain length, lipid desaturation, and polar head group structure.