Plasma membranes utilize free energy to maintain highly asymmetric, non-equilibrium distributions of lipids and proteins between their two leaflets. In this review we discuss recent progress in quantitative research enabled by using compositionally controlled asymmetric model membranes. Both experimental and computational studies have shed light on the nuanced mechanisms that govern the structural and dynamic coupling between compositionally distinct bilayer leaflets. This coupling can increase the membrane bending rigidity and induce order – or lipid domains – across the membrane. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that integral membrane proteins not only respond to asymmetric lipid distributions but also exhibit intriguing asymmetric properties themselves. We propose strategies to advance experimental research, aiming for a deeper, quantitative understanding of membrane asymmetry, which carries profound implications for cellular physiology.

中文翻译：

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探索膜不对称性及其对膜蛋白的影响

质膜利用自由能维持两个小叶之间脂质和蛋白质的高度不对称、非平衡分布。在这篇综述中，我们讨论了通过使用成分控制的不对称模型膜实现的定量研究的最新进展。实验和计算研究都揭示了控制组成不同的双层小叶之间的结构和动态耦合的微妙机制。这种耦合可以增加膜的弯曲刚度并诱导跨膜的有序或脂质域。此外，新出现的证据表明，整合膜蛋白不仅对不对称脂质分布有反应，而且本身也表现出有趣的不对称特性。我们提出了推进实验研究的策略，旨在更深入、定量地理解膜不对称性，这对细胞生理学具有深远的影响。