Structural membrane lipid asymmetry and lipid distribution: Implications for cell metabolism in health and disease

Many structural lipids are asymmetrically distributed across the bilayer of virtually every cell organelle. Examples of this phenomenon include the phospholipids phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine, which are restricted to the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane and ceramides being found in the inner leaflet of the ER and Golgi membranes. These distinctive lipid distributions are diligently maintained by active and passive mechanisms and play important roles in a vast range of cellular processes – from modulating inherent membrane properties such as curvature, fluidity and charge to protein transport, signaling and the formation of lipid subdomains. Perturbations in membrane lipid asymmetry frequently occur in cancer and metabolically dysregulated cells with implications for cellular protein and lipid homeostasis, cell proliferation and migration, therapy resistance, immune evasion and remodeling of the tumour micro-environment.The aim of this Research Topic is to highlight recent advances in our understanding of how perturbations in membrane lipid composition and distribution impacts cellular phenotypes, with a particular focus on disease-related mechanisms. The Research Topic will cover recent advances at the intersection of lipid and protein homeostasis, including mechanistic studies, technological advances in lipid imaging as well as innovative systems and computational biology approaches. Translational aspects of altered cellular protein and lipid homeostasis in cancer and metabolic disease and emerging therapeutic opportunities will also be discussed.We welcome articles on, but not limited to:· Mechanistic studies on mechanisms maintaining and/or disrupting the subcellular compartmentalisation of structural lipids and consequences for cellular behaviour· Innovative multi-omics systems biology approaches to better understand the broader impact of altered lipid homeostasis and membrane asymmetry on cell signalling· Advances in the imaging of lipids and lipid dynamics· Computational modelling approaches of protein – membrane interactions· Therapeutic opportunities of dysregulated lipid distribution (i.e. membrane lipid therapy)· Recent insights into re-wiring of lipid homeostasis in disease relates to therapy resistance· Literature reviews and original research studies are encouragedDr. Norbert Volkmar is employed by DISCO Pharmaceuticals Swiss GmbH. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject. Topic editors: Norbert Volkmar, Yajing Gao, Logesvaran Krshnan Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76218/structural-membrane-lipid-asymmetry-and-lipid-distribution-implications-for-cell-metabolism-in-health-and-disease