SPFH proteins
SPFH domain-containing proteins are found in lipid raft microdomains in diverse cellular membranes.
SPFH proteins have a potential function for in the formation of membrane microdomains and lipid raft-associated processes, such as endocytosis and mechanosensation.
Membrane microdomains and lipid rafts
Membrane microdomains that are distinguished from the rest of the plasma membrane by their lipid composition. They usually contain high levels of cholesterol (cholesterol-rich lipid rafts).
Depending on their function or biochemical characteristics, such as lipid anchoring, proteins are differentially integrated into lipid rafts.
The hypothesis that lipid rafts exist in plasma membranes and have crucial biological functions remains controversial.
The lateral heterogeneity of proteins in the plasma membrane is undisputed, but the contribution of cholesterol-dependent lipid assemblies to this complex, non-random organization promotes vigorous debate.
Membrane microdomains with distinct lipid compositions, called lipid rafts, represent a potential mechanism for compartmentalizing cellular functions within the plane of biological membranes.
References
Browman DT, Hoegg MB, Robbins SM. The SPFH domain-containing proteins: more than lipid raft markers. Trends Cell Biol. 2007 Aug;17(8):394-402. PMID: #17766116#
Hancock JF. Lipid rafts: contentious only from simplistic standpoints. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2006 Jun;7(6):456-62. PMID: #16625153#