The simplest cell-like structure, the lipid bilayer vesicle, can respond to mechanical
deformation by elastic membrane dilation/thinning and curvature changes. When a protein is …

The native environment of membrane proteins is complex and scientists have felt the need
to simplify it to reduce the number of varying parameters. However, experimental problems …

The linear peptide gramicidin forms prototypical ion channels specific for monovalent
cations and has been extensively used to study the organization, dynamics and function of …

Monolayer spontaneous curvatures for cholesterol, DOPE, POPE, DOPC, DPPC, DSPC,
POPC, SOPC, and egg sphingomyelin were obtained using small-angle X-ray scattering …

Membrane protein function is regulated by the host lipid bilayer composition. This regulation
may depend on specific chemical interactions between proteins and individual molecules in …

Nonbilayer lipids can be defined as cone-shaped lipids with a preference for nonbilayer
structures with a negative curvature, such as the hexagonal phase. All membranes contain …

Curcumin is the active ingredient of turmeric powder, a natural spice used for generations in
traditional medicines. Curcumin's broad spectrum of antioxidant, anticarcinogenic …

Fertilization is a matter of life or death. In animals of sexual reproduction, the appropriate
communication between mature and competent male and female gametes determines the …

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) affect a wide variety of physiological processes.
Much attention has been given to the n-3 PUFAs and their role in the prevention and …

Numerous studies demonstrated that membrane cholesterol is a major regulator of ion
channel function. The goal of this review is to discuss significant advances that have been …