Glycerophospholipid metabolism

Glycerophospholipid metabolism encompasses the biosynthesis, remodeling, and degradation of glycerophospholipids—phospholipids with a glycerol backbone and varying acyl and head group substitutions, which include phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and others[1][5][7]. These reactions primarily occur through the Kennedy pathway (de novo synthesis) and the CDP-diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG) pathway, as well as via acyl chain remodeling (Lands cycle)[1]. This pathway is crucial for maintaining membrane structure, function, and signaling, with multiple enzymes (e.g., AGPAT4, phospholipases, acyltransferases) being potential therapeutic targets in various disease contexts such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and inflammation[2][8][4]. Disruptions or abnormal regulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of several diseases, making components of the pathway therapeutically actionable but not the pathway itself as a discrete target[2][5][6].

Other names

glycerophospholipid metabolic pathwayGPL metabolism