Electric fields and the nuclear membrane

Article Abstract:

M. Olivotto et al. should have extended their analysis of the effect of electric fields on plasma membrane proteins to nuclear membrane proteins and the nuclear environment's DNA. The electrical dimension's scope in cell biology can be broadened to include influences on the structures and interactions of macromolecules within the nuclear envelope. The nuclear envelope's electrical properties can help regulate gene expression and facilitate cell surface-chromatin signalling.

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Dynamic lipid-bilayer heterogeneity: a mesoscopic vehicle for membrane function?

Article Abstract:

The dynamic and static membrane heterogeneity of lipid bilayers is essential for membrane transport processes to occur. This is dependent on phospholipid chain length and the presence of membrane interfaces which control ion leakage, cholesterol transport and lipid-protein interactions. Regulation of membrane heterogeneity, on the other hand, is brought about by cholesterol and various anaesthetics which seal the membrane.

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The function of melanin or six blind people examine an elephant

Article Abstract:

Melanin can be both valuable and harmful in biological systems. It is involved in an organism's defense and reproductive behaviors, protects nucleic acid from radiation damage by cross-linkages, detoxifies free radicals, binds drugs and participates in energy transformation. However, melanin can also produce lethal free radicals and active oxygen species that increases the risk of mutations and carcinogenesis.

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