Elucidation of molecular mechanisms which generate and maintain discrete membrane domains in polarized cells
The plasma membranes of cells are fundamental components of our body. They are composed of discrete membrane domains in which membrane proteins and lipids are differentially partitioned. Compared to plasma membrane proteins which have been investigated by many researchers, plasma membrane lipids are less well understood, even though they are the other main component of membranes. Using epitehlial cells as an experimental model, I aim to clarify what kind of lipids and lipid metabolites are enriched in the apical as well as the basolateral membrane, and how these asymmetric membrane domains are maintained to be separated.
