Genetic analysis of lipid-protein interactions in Escherichia coli membranes.

Phospholipids play essential roles in defining the membrane permeability barrier, in regulating cellular processes, in providing a support for organization of many membrane-associated processes, and in providing precursors for the synthesis of macromolecules. Although in vitro experiments have provided important information on the role of protein-lipid interactions in cell function, such approaches are limited by the lack of a direct measure for phospholipid function. Genetic approaches can provide direct evidence for a specific role for phospholipids in cell function provided cell viability or membrane structure is not compromised. This review will summarize recent genetic approaches that when coupled with biochemical studies have led to a better understanding of specific functions for phospholipids at the molecular level.