Mononuclear macrophages are important immune cells in the organisms. The complicated membrane structure underlying the diverse functions of mononuclear-macrophage has been largely unresolved. As a representative of monocyte-derived macrophages, the… Click to show full abstract
Mononuclear macrophages are important immune cells in the organisms. The complicated membrane structure underlying the diverse functions of mononuclear-macrophage has been largely unresolved. As a representative of monocyte-derived macrophages, the membrane structure of PMA differentiated THP-1 cells was comprehensively investigated by AFM-based single molecule approaches. The rugged ectoplasmic side of mononuclear-macrophage membrane are significantly different from erythrocytes and mammalian somatic cell membranes. But the smooth lipid bilayer and the branched lipid raft domains obtained by proteinase K and MβCD treatment of the protein-covered cytoplasmic side, are common characteristics among all the studied cell membranes. This discovery of distinct organization of membrane proteins on both sides of mononuclear-macrophage membranes provides additional evidence for the asymmetry of membrane structure. The podosome-associated structures of mononuclear-macrophage were directly examined, and the independent localization of podosome domains and the lipid rafts was verified by in situ AFM, giving new insight into this multifunctional organelle.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.