Targeting Lipid Rafts, Seeking Cures for Diseases

The components and ratio of lipids species assembled into biomembrane is another essential factor contributing to the specific behaviors of lipid rafts. From two lipid metabolism genes mutation models, we understood that the nature of biomembrane are very different between mammals and Drosophila. NeutralCeramidase (N-CDase) nude mice do not have significant phenotype, even the N-CDase nude MEFs only show around 10% weak cytotoxic toleration as compared to wild type MEFs by FACS analysis (unpublished data), whereas Drosophila N-CDase knockout is lethal [4]. In addition, the outcome of impairment of lipid metabolism and membrane organization affects profoundly different on survival and adaptation responses between mouse and fly: most of Ceramide Transfer Protein (Cert) nude mice die from organogenetic defects at the stage of embryo 11. 5 days without any significant changes in fluidity of membrane [5]. Interesting enough, Cert nude flies fully develop to adulthood with around 35% increase of fluidity of membrane, 33% and 40% increase of cellular glucose and modification proteins, respectively, which resulted in shorter lifespan to flies [6].