Investigating the role of membrane dipole potential in liquid-liquid phase separation: ether lipids influence domain size

Abstract

Lateral lipid heterogeneity is thought to play an important role in the functioning of cell membranes. Parameters such as the shape, size, and composition of domains are not well-understood in biological membranes, in part because of their chemical complexity. Factors including line tension, dipole repulsions, and thermal fluctuations contribute to these parameters. To elucidate the impact of these factors, we use simple three- or four- component model membranes. Liquid-liquid phase separation in these systems have provided numerous insights into the behavior of domains in biological membranes.