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Dynamics of lipid and protein diffusion in sperm plasma membranes

Reference	BBS/E/B/00001157
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Roy Jones
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Babraham Institute
Department	Babraham Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	848,679
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2003
End date	30/03/2008
Duration	60 months

Abstract

All cells are surrounded by a limiting plasma membrane that has special properties for maintaining their viability. We are studying the functionality of this membrane by measuring how fast molecules can move about within it (diffusion). Many drugs affect cell membranes by slowing down or speeding up this diffusion. Our studies therefore, are important for understanding how drugs affect some cells and not others. A characteristic feature of the plasma membrane of differentiated cells is lateral segration of antigens into discrete regions or domains commensurate with specialised function. The aims of this project are to investigate the mechanisms that produce and maintain lateral heterogeneity in the membrane (eg intramembranous barriers, cytoskeleton, lipid phase differences) and to relate this to functionality using spermatozoa as model cells. Since spermatozoa are highly polarised morphologically with a clearly defined function, they are ideal for this purpose. Experiments will measure diffusion coefficients of fluorescent lipid reporter probes within and between surface domains and relate this to functionality of the cell. Particular attention will be paid to antigens that traverse barriers in the membrane and migrate between domains.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Biochemistry & Cell Biology (BCB)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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