Computational Investigation of Heterogeneous Lateral Organisation in Biological Membrane

Abstract

The study of lateral heterogeneity on membrane surface has come a long way from the fluid mosaic model. Simulations and experimental studies have observed non-random mixing of lipids and proteins in the membrane. In this thesis, we have systematically addressed certain aspects of the current understanding of lateral organisation (summarised above). We believe there is scope for much work in this area. The forefront in investigations of lateral membrane organisation is to do with studying the effect of • membrane lipid and protein asymmetric distribution • cellular environment and physical factors such as presence of glycans, solvation of the membrane and • coupling of membrane lipids and proteins to cortical cytoskeleton on lateral organization in biological membranes. Generating an active model for the membrane which involves studying the coupling of cortical actin meshwork to the lipids and proteins on the membrane to control lateral organisation is a tough problem. With better understanding of physics of active non-equilibrium systems and experimental methods that can image lipid organisation in vivo, we believe we can gain better insights into functional importance of lateral organisation in biological membranes