cardiolipin acyl-chain remodeling

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Remodeling the acyl chains of premature (de novo synthesized) cardiolipin (1,3-bis(3-phosphatidyl)glycerol), through sequential deacylation and re-acylation reactions, to generate mature cardiolipin containing high-levels of unsaturated fatty acids. [GOC:bf, GOC:rb, PMID:19244244]

Cardiolipin acyl-chain remodeling is a crucial process for maintaining mitochondrial function and cellular health. Cardiolipin, a unique phospholipid found exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane, plays a critical role in electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial membrane dynamics. Its acyl-chain composition, which varies depending on the tissue and physiological conditions, dictates its specific functions.

Cardiolipin acyl-chain remodeling involves the exchange or modification of fatty acid chains attached to the glycerol backbone of cardiolipin. This process is tightly regulated and involves several enzymes, including phospholipases, acyltransferases, and lysophospholipid acyltransferases.

The remodeling process can be broadly categorized into two main types:

**1. Desaturation:** This involves the introduction of double bonds into the fatty acid chains of cardiolipin. Enzymes like cardiolipin desaturases (CDS) catalyze this process, which increases the fluidity of the mitochondrial membrane and facilitates the activity of respiratory chain complexes.

**2. Acyl-chain exchange:** This involves the replacement of existing fatty acid chains with different ones. This exchange can occur through the action of enzymes like lysophospholipid acyltransferases (LPLAT) or phospholipases. LPLATs preferentially incorporate polyunsaturated fatty acids, while phospholipases can remove specific fatty acid chains.

The remodeling process is influenced by a variety of factors, including cellular stress, nutrient availability, and developmental stage. For instance, during oxidative stress, cardiolipin acyl-chain remodeling helps to maintain mitochondrial membrane integrity and prevent damage to the electron transport chain. In response to nutrient deprivation, remodeling can lead to the incorporation of more saturated fatty acids, which contributes to increased membrane stability.

Cardiolipin acyl-chain remodeling plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial function and cellular health. Dysregulation of this process is implicated in various human diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding the complex mechanisms underlying this process is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies to treat these conditions.'
"

Proteins (2)

Compounds (4)