Plasmalogen Biosynthesis Pathway

The plasmalogen biosynthesis pathway refers to the series of enzymatic reactions responsible for producing plasmalogens, a unique subclass of ether phospholipids. Plasmalogens are characterized by a vinyl-ether bond at the sn-1 position of the glycerol backbone, an ester-linked fatty acid at sn-2, and a polar head group (such as ethanolamine or choline) at sn-3. These lipids are abundant in cell membranes—especially in neural and cardiac tissues—and play roles in membrane dynamics, signaling, and antioxidation. The pathway is compartmentalized between peroxisomes (initial steps) and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (later modifications). Defects in this pathway are linked to various human diseases.