Structural hallmarks of lung surfactant: Lipid-protein interactions, membrane structure and future challenges

Lung surfactant (LS) is an outstanding example of how a highly regulated and dynamic membrane-based system has evolved to sustain wealth structural reorganizations in order accomplish its biophysical function, as it coats stabilizes the respiratory air-liquid interface mammalian lung. The present review dissects complexity structure-function relationships LS through updated description lipid-protein interactions membrane structures that synthesis, secretion, interfacial performance recycling. We also revise current models techniques employed study membranous architecture LS. It important consider structure functional properties are often studied bulk or under static conditions, spite function strongly connected with behaviour, sustained by very polymorphic lipid-lipid, protein-protein reorganize precise spatio-temporal coordinates. have tried underline evidences available existence such dynamism A last aspect synthesis assembly intracellular process ensure establishment proper driving surface activity, while protecting integrity other cell membranes. use simplified lipid partial natural materials purified from animal tissues could be too simplistic understand true molecular mechanisms defining vivo. In this line, we will bring into attention reader methodological challenges questions still open at full biological relevance.