A cell-based scrambling assay reveals the phospholipid headgroup preference of TMEM16F on the plasma membrane.

ABSTRACT: The asymmetric resting distribution of the three major phospholipid classes on the mammalian plasma membrane, with phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine mostly on the inner leaflet and phosphatidylcholine mostly on the outer leaflet, is maintained by ATP-dependent flippases and floppases that exhibit headgroup selectivity. Upon signaling cues, this asymmetry can be dissipated by various phospholipid scramblases, allowing cells to respond to stimuli and adapt to different physiological contexts. The prevailing view in the field is that phospholipid scramblases on the plasma membrane act without headgroup preference. Here, we report contrary experimental evidence based on a phospholipid scrambling assay that quantifies the fluorescence polarization (FP) of nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)

SUBMITTER: Teo CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12595458 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature