lipidiakpaleita

Lipidiakpaleita are nanoscale lattice formations composed of phospholipid molecules and associated proteins that assemble within biological membranes. First described in 2018 by a research group at the University of Turku, these structures were observed using high‑resolution cryo‑electron microscopy in the plasma membranes of mammalian epithelial cells. They appear as quasi‑periodic arrays with a spacing of approximately 5.4 nanometers, giving the membrane a patterned appearance under suitable imaging conditions.

The term originates from the Finnish words “lipidi” (lipid) and “paleita” (galleries or vaults), reflecting the gallery‑like arrangement of lipids along the membrane surface. Functional analyses suggest that lipidiakpaleita contribute to the stabilization of lipid rafts, domains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids, and may influence signal transduction by modulating receptor clustering. Recent computational models indicate that these lattice structures can create transient channels that modulate ion flux across the membrane, although the exact mechanism remains under discussion.

Lipidiakpaleita are typically present in cell types with high membrane fluidity, such as endothelial cells and neurons, and their prevalence varies with temperature and lipid composition. Experimental manipulation of cholesterol levels disrupts the lattice, causing a decrease in cell membrane viscosity and increased susceptibility to mechanical stress. Because of these properties, lipidiakpaleita are of interest in the development of drug delivery systems that rely on lipid vesicles, as they may affect vesicle stability and fusion efficiency.

Research into lipidiakpaleita continues, with studies focusing on their role in pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding how these lattice structures form and function could lead to new approaches in modulating membrane dynamics for therapeutic benefit.