lipidprotein

Lipidprotein is a broad term used to describe interactions and complexes between lipids and proteins. It encompasses membrane-associated proteins, lipid-anchored proteins, and lipoproteins that transport or organize lipids in biological systems. Lipid-protein interactions are essential for membrane structure, signaling, and lipid metabolism.

In membranes, proteins may be integral, spanning the lipid bilayer, or peripheral, attached to the surface. Lipids influence protein conformation and activity, while proteins can shape membrane curvature and domain formation. Covalent lipidation attaches lipid groups to proteins (e.g., myristoylation, palmitoylation, prenylation), directing proteins to membranes and modulating interactions.

Lipoproteins are complexes that combine lipids with specific apolipoproteins to enable lipid transport in plasma. Classical classes include chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Their core contains triglycerides and cholesterol esters; their surface is a monolayer of phospholipids and cholesterol, stabilized by apolipoproteins that mediate receptor binding and enzyme interactions.

Other lipid-binding proteins, such as fatty-acid binding proteins, bind and ferry lipid molecules within cells, influencing metabolism and signaling. Experimental study uses biophysical, biochemical, and structural methods to characterize binding affinity, specificity, and the effects on protein function.

Dysregulation of lipid-protein interactions is linked to diseases including cardiovascular disorders, metabolic syndrome, and certain neurodegenerative conditions. See also lipids, proteins, lipoproteins, lipidation, and GPI-anchored proteins.