The plasma membrane is the interface between cells and their harsh environment. Uptake of nutrients and all communication among cells and between cells and their environment occurs through this interface. 'Endocytosis' encompasses several diverse mechanisms by which cells internalize macromolecules and particles into transport vesicles derived from the plasma membrane. It controls entry into the cell and has a crucial role in development, the immune response, neurotransmission, intercellular communication, signal transduction, and cellular and organismal homeostasis. As the complexity of molecular interactions governing endocytosis are revealed, it has become increasingly clear that it is tightly coordinated and coupled with overall cell physiology and thus, must be viewed in a broader context than simple vesicular trafficking.

Regulated portals of entry into the cell

Molecular basis of bacterial outer membrane permeability.

The goal of this review is to present a comprehensive survey of the many intriguing facets of creatine (Cr) and creatinine metabolism, encompassing the pathways and regulation of Cr biosynthesis an...

http://www.afboard.com/library/creatinemetabolism.pdf

Creatine and Creatinine Metabolism

Production of large unilamellar vesicles by a rapid extrusion procedure. Characterization of size distribution, trapped volume and ability to maintain a membrane potential

Bacteriocins are bacterially produced antimicrobial peptides with narrow or broad host ranges. Many bacteriocins are produced by food-grade lactic acid bacteria, a phenomenon which offers food scientists the possibility of directing or preventing the development of specific bacterial species in food. This can be particularly useful in preservation or food safety applications, but also has implications for the development of desirable flora in fermented food. In this sense, bacteriocins can be used to confer a rudimentary form of innate immunity to foodstuffs, helping processors extend their control over the food flora long after manufacture.

Bacteriocins: developing innate immunity for food

In this study, we investigated the size and orientation of the bacterial Lipid II (L II) headgroup when the L II molecule is present in liquid-crystalline domains of DOPC in a supported DPPC bilayer. Using atomic force microscopy, we detected that L II causes the appearance of a 1.9 nm thick layer, situated over the DOPC headgroup region. With an increased scanning force, this layer can be penetrated by the AFM tip down to the level of the DOPC bilayer. Using different L II precursor molecules, we demonstrated that the detected layer consists of the headgroups of L II and that the MurNAc-pentapeptide unit of the headgroup is responsible for the measured 1.9 nm height of that layer. Monolayer experiments provided information about the in-plane dimensions of the L II headgroup. On the basis of these results and considerations of the molecular dimensions of L II headgroup constituents, we propose a model for the orientation of the L II headgroup in the membrane. In this model, the pentapeptide of the L II headgroup is rather extended and points away from the bilayer surface, which could be important for biological processes, in which L II is involved.

/pdf/size-and-orientation-of-the-lipid-ii-headgroup-as-revealed-9j49a43xit.pdf

Size and orientation of the lipid II headgroup as revealed by AFM imaging.

Lipid dependence of glycophorin-induced transbilayer movement of lysophosphatidylcholine in large unilamellar vesicles

https://publications.tno.nl/publication/34625863/jDw2l2/hof-1995-characterization.pdf

Characterization of the Import Process of a Transit Peptide into Chloroplasts

Interactions of mitochondrial precursor protein apocytochrome c with phosphatidylserine in model membranes. A monolayer study.

https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1016/0014-5793%2895%2900823-R

B. de Kruijff

Papers

Size and orientation of the lipid II headgroup as revealed by AFM imaging.

Lipid dependence of glycophorin-induced transbilayer movement of lysophosphatidylcholine in large unilamellar vesicles

Characterization of the Import Process of a Transit Peptide into Chloroplasts

Interactions of mitochondrial precursor protein apocytochrome c with phosphatidylserine in model membranes. A monolayer study.

Anionic phospholipids can mediate membrane insertion of the anionic part of a bound peptide