One hundred years of membrane permeability: does Overton still rule?
Q Al-Awqati - Nature cell biology, 1999 - nature.com
Nature cell biology, 1999•nature.com
Abstract The Overton Rule states that entry of any molecule into a cell is governed by its lipid
solubility. Overton's studies led to the hypothesis that cell membranes are composed of lipid
domains, which mediate transport of lipophilic molecules, and protein 'pores', which
transport hydrophilic molecules. Recent studies, however, have shown that hydrophobic
molecules are also transported by families of transporter proteins.
solubility. Overton's studies led to the hypothesis that cell membranes are composed of lipid
domains, which mediate transport of lipophilic molecules, and protein 'pores', which
transport hydrophilic molecules. Recent studies, however, have shown that hydrophobic
molecules are also transported by families of transporter proteins.
Abstract
The Overton Rule states that entry of any molecule into a cell is governed by its lipid solubility. Overton’s studies led to the hypothesis that cell membranes are composed of lipid domains, which mediate transport of lipophilic molecules, and protein ‘pores’, which transport hydrophilic molecules. Recent studies, however, have shown that hydrophobic molecules are also transported by families of transporter proteins.
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