Lipidsbindende

Lipidsbindende describes the property of certain molecules—primarily proteins, but also peptides and small molecules—to bind lipids with variable affinity and specificity. The term encompasses lipid-binding proteins, lipid-binding domains within larger proteins, and direct lipid–ligand interactions that influence lipid localization, transport, and signaling.

Lipid binding can occur via non-specific hydrophobic interactions with fatty acyl chains or through specific recognition of lipid headgroups and stereochemistry. Many lipid-binding events are mediated by modular protein domains, such as PH domains binding phosphoinositides, C2 domains interacting with calcium-dependent phospholipids, and START domains recognizing sterols. Lipid-binding can also occur via hydrophobic pockets in lipocalins or apolipoproteins that accommodate lipids in lipoprotein particles.

Biological roles include targeting proteins to membranes, facilitating lipid transport between compartments, organizing signaling complexes, and regulating lipid storage in lipid droplets. Disturbances in lipid-binding interactions are implicated in metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. The specificity of binding often dictates localization and function rather than mere affinity.

Experimental approaches to study lipidsbindende include lipid-overlay assays (PIP strips), liposome co-sedimentation, surface plasmon resonance, and isothermal titration calorimetry, as well as structural methods such as X-ray crystallography and NMR to define binding pockets and determinants of specificity.