The biological significance of lipid-protein interactions

Biological membranes are complex environments, where membrane proteins are surrounded by a bilayer composed of many different types of lipid. The physical properties of the bilayer influence protein structure, folding and function, while specific interactions with lipid molecules can also contribute towards the biological activity of some membrane proteins. Improving understanding of these interactions has resulted in the development of synthetic lipid systems that allow the bilayer properties to be rationally manipulated in vitro to control protein behaviour.