Skip to main content
Fig. 1 | BMC Biology

Fig. 1

From: Plasma membrane integrity: implications for health and disease

Fig. 1

Plasma membrane damage is comprised of chemical disruptions and physical breaches. a Chemical disruptions of the plasma membrane can alter its biophysical properties and lead to a breach. Oxidative stress and intracellular iron promote lipid peroxidation of poly-unsaturated fatty acids leading to the removal of damaged fragments and destabilization of the plasma membrane. Membrane lipids are subject to enzymatic damage by host or foreign phospholipases. Alterations in membrane fluidity through interactions with amphipathic molecules or cholesterol extraction can weaken membrane resistance upon subsequent insult. b Depending on size and frequency, physical breaches elicit lytic or non-lytic damage and require active repair to restore membrane integrity. Nanoruptures result in ion imbalances and the leakage of small molecules, whereas membrane tears result in extensive leakage of cytosolic cargo. Larger membrane tears (> 100 nm) are broadly distinguished based on different repair requirements. Upon recognition of unique host receptors, pore-forming proteins can assemble into transmembrane pores that differ in terms of size, structure, and ion flux

Back to article page