Formation of lipid tubules induced by a sugar-like molecule myo-inositol

The sugar-like molecule myo-inositol (InOH) bears an uncanny structural resemblance to the pyranose form of the sugar d-glucose (DG). InOH and its derivatives play a pivotal role in cell biology; whereby its interaction with the model membrane needs to be studied. Here, we have demonstrated that lipid tubules are formed as a result of the above-said interactions and that these interactions can be prevented by using hydroxyl protected InOH derivatives. We have tried to elucidate the nature of the InOH-membrane interactions by comparing them with DG-membrane interactions and have proposed a mechanism for the same.

Automated summary

Myo-inositol and its derivatives play a crucial role in cell biology, and interactions with model membranes can lead to the formation of lipid tubules, which can be prevented by using specific derivatives. Comparing these interactions with those of D-glucose, a proposed mechanism for the InOH-membrane interactions has been suggested.