Mapping trasmembrane distribution of sphingomyelin

Our knowledge on the asymmetric distribution of sphingomyelin (SM) in the plasma membrane is largely based on the biochemical analysis of erythrocytes using sphingomyelinase (SMase). However, recent studies showed that the product of SMase, ceramide, disturbs transmembrane lipid distribution. This led to the development of the complimentary histochemical method, which combines electron microscopy and SM-binding proteins. This review discusses the advantages and caveats of published methods of measuring transbilayer distribution of SM. Recent finding of the proteins involved in the transbilayer movement of SM will also be summarized.

Automated summary

Our understanding of the asymmetric distribution of sphingomyelin in the plasma membrane is mainly based on the analysis of red blood cells using sphingomyelinase. However, recent studies have shown that the product of sphingomyelinase disrupts the distribution of lipids across the membrane. This has led to the development of a complementary histochemical method that combines electron microscopy and sphingomyelin-binding proteins. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of published methods for measuring the transbilayer distribution of sphingomyelin, as well as the latest findings on the proteins involved in its transbilayer movement.