Abstract

Cholesterol is an important lipid that contributes to membrane fluidity and the formation of membrane microdomains. Changes in cholesterol levels can alter signaling processes in cells. Cholesterol is commonly considered to be a constituent of the plasma membrane. Clarke et al . challenge this view with data from human and rat skeletal muscle immunostained with an antibody that recognizes cholesterol. They find that the cholesterol-specific antibody recognizes primarily a structure that morphologically resembles the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, the cholesterol antibody colocalized with an antibody against the Ca 2+ ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and did not overlap with an antibody against the plasma membrane-localized dihydropyridine receptor. Clarke, M.S.F., Vanderburg, C.R., Bamman, M.M., Caldwell, R.W., and Feeback, D.L. (2000) In situ localization of cholesterol in skeletal muscle by use of a monoclonal antibody. J. Appl. Physiol. 89 : 731-741. [Abstract] [Full Text]

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.