A model for the asymmetric lipid distribution in the human erythrocyte membrane. Issue 2 (February 1986)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herrmann, Andreas; Müller, Peter
• Is Part Of: Bioscience reports. Volume 6:Issue 2(1986)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 191
• Publication Date: 1986-02
• Subjects: phospholipids -- asymmetric lipid distribution -- membrane (erythrocytes) -- cell shape; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01115005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-8463

Abstract

Abstract : The asymmetric transverse distribution of phospholipids in the human erythrocyte membrane can be explained by differences between the rate constants of flip and flop motion of the lipids. A selective interaction between aminophospholipids and spectrin does not need to be assumed for creating and maintaining the asymmetric localization of these lipids. Shape transformation of red cells could be caused by alterations of the flip-flop rate constants leading to a change of the lipid distribution and, consequently, to a differential area expansion of the outer and inner membrane leaflet.