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Enzymatic methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine increases erythrocyte membrane fluidity

Nature volume 275, pages 219–220 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

PHOSPHOLIPIDS are a major component of biomembranes and provide the fluid matrix for protein movement and organisation. Membrane fluidity has been closely related to the biological and biochemical processes such as transport of chemicals, cell fusion, and protein rotation and diffusion1,2. Genetic, nutritional and temperature manipulation have been used to alter the fluidity of the cell membrane3,4, but physiological and biochemical events that regulate membrane fluidity are still unknown. We report here that the enzymatic methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine in erythrocyte membranes induces a marked increase of the bulk membrane fluidity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section on Pharmacology, Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20014

    FUSAO HIRATA & JULIUS AXELROD

Authors
  1. FUSAO HIRATA
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  2. JULIUS AXELROD
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HIRATA, F., AXELROD, J. Enzymatic methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine increases erythrocyte membrane fluidity. Nature 275, 219–220 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/275219a0

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