Question

hi

what does methyl beta-cyclodextrin do to cell membranes?

Answer 1

Methyl beta-cyclodextrins (also called as filipins) are useful in extraction of cholesterol concentration in cells thereby deplete their concentration.

Mechanism: Methyl beta-cyclodextrins sequesters the cholesterol (lipid rafts) of the cell with the help of their large hydrophobic cavity and thus removes them. Some lipid rafts are sensitive to methyl beta cyclodextrins and some are insensitive.

Although, they are used to alter the cholesterol concentration sometimes they may also sequester the phospholipids, and non raft domains which alter the distribution of cholesterol between plasma and intracellular membranes

Hence, they should be used in caution to alter the cellular function by manipulating the cellular lipid content.