Phospholipid metabolic process

Phospholipid metabolism encompasses the anabolic and catabolic biochemical changes made to phospholipids, which are major structural components of biological membranes[4]. Phospholipids form lipid bilayers that act as barriers protecting cells against environmental insults and enabling multiple cellular processes to occur in subcellular compartments[9]. The major phospholipid species include phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidic acid (PA), and cardiolipin (CL)[9]. These phospholipids share similar structures containing two fatty acids attached to the sn-1 and sn-2 positions and a different phosphate headgroup at the sn-3 position of the glycerol backbone[9]. Phospholipid metabolism plays crucial roles in numerous cellular functions. The phospholipid bilayer provides selective permeability, regulating the entry and exit of substances into and out of cells[10]. Phospholipids can serve as energy storage molecules, with fatty acid tails being enzymatically cleaved through lipolysis to generate energy[10]. They are also involved in membrane protein function, cellular trafficking, membrane remodeling, and cellular recognition[10]. Several enzymes involved in phospholipid metabolism have been identified as potential therapeutic targets, particularly in cancer. These include choline kinase α, phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D1, phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C, sphingomyelinases, choline transporters, glycerophosphodiesterases, phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, and ethanolamine kinase[7]. These enzymes play roles in oncogenic transformation, tumor progression, and crucial cancer cell properties such as fast proliferation, migration, and invasion[7]. Recent research has also highlighted the importance of phospholipid metabolism in aging and lifespan regulation, with changes in phospholipid composition being observed during the aging process across different organisms and tissues[9].

Other names

Phospholipid metabolism

Inhibition of specific enzymes in phospholipid metabolic pathways