Physical Properties of Lens Membranes in Animals with Different Lifespans

The lipid composition of eye lens fiber cell membranes varies among species, and these differences increase as a function of lifespan. However, the way in which the lipids of the fiber cell membranes are organized in different animals has not yet been studied in detail. This study compares how the s...

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Main Authors: Marija Raguz, Witold Karol Subczynski
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Biomolecules
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/15/6/851
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author Marija Raguz
Witold Karol Subczynski
author_facet Marija Raguz
Witold Karol Subczynski
author_sort Marija Raguz
collection DOAJ
description The lipid composition of eye lens fiber cell membranes varies among species, and these differences increase as a function of lifespan. However, the way in which the lipids of the fiber cell membranes are organized in different animals has not yet been studied in detail. This study compares how the structure, properties, and organization of lipids change during the lifespan of the mouse, pig, and human. These species were chosen because of the wide range of lifespans and significant differences in lipid composition. Models were made of phospholipid compositions resembling those of the lens fiber cell membranes of a mouse, pig, and human aged of 3, 23, and 70 years, respectively. To separate the effects of phospholipids and cholesterol, membranes were investigated for samples without cholesterol, with a cholesterol content close to the cholesterol saturation limits, and with a cholesterol content close to the cholesterol solubility thresholds. Membrane physical properties were obtained using EPR spin labeling methods. No significant differences in the physical properties of the membranes of any of the models were detected for membranes without and those in the presence of a saturating cholesterol concentration. Thus, not only cholesterol but also the appropriate phospholipid composition is a significant factor in maintaining eye lens homeostasis.
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spelling doaj-art-b75007f96bf54bbab2eef46bdd1597962025-08-20T03:26:25ZengMDPI AGBiomolecules2218-273X2025-06-0115685110.3390/biom15060851Physical Properties of Lens Membranes in Animals with Different LifespansMarija Raguz0Witold Karol Subczynski1Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, CroatiaDepartment of Biophysics, Medical College on Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USAThe lipid composition of eye lens fiber cell membranes varies among species, and these differences increase as a function of lifespan. However, the way in which the lipids of the fiber cell membranes are organized in different animals has not yet been studied in detail. This study compares how the structure, properties, and organization of lipids change during the lifespan of the mouse, pig, and human. These species were chosen because of the wide range of lifespans and significant differences in lipid composition. Models were made of phospholipid compositions resembling those of the lens fiber cell membranes of a mouse, pig, and human aged of 3, 23, and 70 years, respectively. To separate the effects of phospholipids and cholesterol, membranes were investigated for samples without cholesterol, with a cholesterol content close to the cholesterol saturation limits, and with a cholesterol content close to the cholesterol solubility thresholds. Membrane physical properties were obtained using EPR spin labeling methods. No significant differences in the physical properties of the membranes of any of the models were detected for membranes without and those in the presence of a saturating cholesterol concentration. Thus, not only cholesterol but also the appropriate phospholipid composition is a significant factor in maintaining eye lens homeostasis.https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/15/6/851eye lensphospholipidscholesterolprotection mechanismslifespan
spellingShingle Marija Raguz
Witold Karol Subczynski
Physical Properties of Lens Membranes in Animals with Different Lifespans
Biomolecules
eye lens
phospholipids
cholesterol
protection mechanisms
lifespan
title Physical Properties of Lens Membranes in Animals with Different Lifespans
title_full Physical Properties of Lens Membranes in Animals with Different Lifespans
title_fullStr Physical Properties of Lens Membranes in Animals with Different Lifespans
title_full_unstemmed Physical Properties of Lens Membranes in Animals with Different Lifespans
title_short Physical Properties of Lens Membranes in Animals with Different Lifespans
title_sort physical properties of lens membranes in animals with different lifespans
topic eye lens
phospholipids
cholesterol
protection mechanisms
lifespan
url https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/15/6/851
work_keys_str_mv AT marijaraguz physicalpropertiesoflensmembranesinanimalswithdifferentlifespans
AT witoldkarolsubczynski physicalpropertiesoflensmembranesinanimalswithdifferentlifespans