Fluidity is the way to life: lipid phase separation in bacterial membranes

A hallmark of biological membranes is the dynamic localization of lipids and proteins. Lipids respond to temperature reduction below a critical point with phase separation, and poikilothermic animals and also bacteria adapt their lipid content to prevent gel phase formation in membranes. In a new study, Gohrbandt et al (2022) show that reduced membrane fluidity in bacterial cells causes reversible phase separation without membrane rupture in vivo, highlighting the physical robustness of biological membranes.

Automated summary

The dynamic localization of lipids and proteins is a characteristic feature of biological membranes. In a new study, Gohrbandt et al (2022) demonstrate that reduced membrane fluidity in bacterial cells leads to reversible phase separation without membrane rupture, highlighting the physical robustness of biological membranes.