The general view of the cellular plasma membrane has evolved, over the last 20 years, from that of a homogeneous arrangement of lipids with embedded proteins towards that of a mosaic of microdomains, each having a specific lipid and protein composition. Some are morphologically distinguishable, such as clathrin coated pits and caveolae, whereas others, such as lipid rafts are apparently featureless regions of the plasma membrane. Assembly of lipid rafts involves not only lateral aggregation of long and saturated acyl chains in combination with cholesterol but also protein interactions and protein-lipid interactions. This specific lipid environment would then attract Cichoric-Acid certain proteins with high lipid raft partitioning coefficient, such as doubly Neferine acylated src like kinases or some palmitoylated transmembrane proteins. In addition, modification of lipid raft composition can occur either by changes in the environment or the physiological state of the cell or by the binding of ligands to receptors. Importantly, although a single name is used, rafts are likely to represent a heterogeneous group of domains. Lipid rafts have mostly been studied at the plasma membrane due to their accessibility from the outside of the cell�C for microscopy and biophysical studies �C and to their role in signaling and endocytosis. Characterization of rafts has also been extensively based on their resistance to detergent solubilization, although this widely used biochemical readout has inherent limitations. Nevertheless, the analysis of detergent resistant membranes remains a useful tool in particular in comparative studies. In addition to the plasma membrane, many intracellular organelles appear to contain raft-like domains. Subjects unable to meet the minimum GS response exited to avoid further futile treatment; their day 56 evaluation became their efficacy endpoint. Efficacy endpoints were therefore per protocol. Each arm employed a twice-weekly dosing using dummy doses to keep the blind, where the second weekly dose was given 3 days after the first. See below for details on randomization, blinding and dosing compliance.