The structure of complexes between phosphatidylethanolamine and glucosylceramide: A matrix for membrane rafts

► Only unsaturated phosphatidylethanolamines and glucosylceramide form stoichiometric complexes. ► The stoichiometry is 2:1 phospholipid:glucosylceramide when the phospholipid is in the fluid phase and about 1:5 in gel phase. ► The complexes are stable at temperatures well above 37 °C. ► Complexes form with glucosylceramide with both long (C-22-24) and short (C-12) N-acyl fatty acids.