Comments on Chemistry, Biology and Physics in a single molecule: the story of PIP2

By: Dr Samuel Furse » One Gene Between Warm and Cold

2016-02-01T07:48:02Z

[…] of S. cerevisiae with a mutation of its inp51 gene have shown that a major signalling lipid called PIP2 [link] is linked to both membrane fluidity and cell growth. This suggests that membrane fluidity is […]

By: Dr Samuel Furse » A Cellular Perspective on Disposing of Big Waste

2015-12-03T12:02:04Z

[…] The two papers offer a tantalising picture of what may occur through the whole control mechanism. Yamaga et al. report that removing a protein called PLC, that metabolises a signalling lipid, increases exocytosis [1]. In other words, the substrate for PLC increases exocytosis. The substrate is an old friend of this blog, PIP2. […]

By: Dr Samuel Furse » Ceramides, Ceramics and the Continued Development of a Theory

2014-03-02T16:16:52Z

[…] This exciting increase in the understanding of sphingolipids, from a variety of research fields, remains strong. Some very recent research provides evidence that sphingolipids have a role in the physical process of division in at least one type of mammalian cell [5]. This physical role of this class of lipids is an unexpected contrast to the biological role sphingolipids have as molecular messengers in processes such as angiogenesis, neurodegeneration and diabetes. However it may not be unique; it appears that inositide lipids have both structural and biological roles. […]