phosphatidylglycerol acyl-chain remodeling

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Remodeling the acyl chains of phosphatidylglycerol, through sequential deacylation and re-acylation reactions, to generate phosphatidylglycerol containing different types of fatty acid acyl chains. [GOC:mw, PMID:15485873, PMID:18458083]

Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) acyl-chain remodeling is a crucial process in bacterial membrane homeostasis. It involves the modification of the fatty acid composition of PG, a major phospholipid in bacterial membranes. This remodeling is driven by enzymes called phospholipases and acyltransferases.

The process typically begins with the hydrolysis of existing fatty acyl chains from PG by phospholipases, specifically PG-specific phospholipase A1 or A2. These enzymes cleave the ester bond at the sn-1 or sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone, respectively, releasing a free fatty acid.

The freed sn-1 position can then be re-acylated by an acyltransferase enzyme. This enzyme utilizes fatty acids from the cellular pool to attach a new acyl chain to the glycerol backbone. The acyl chain chosen for re-acylation can differ from the original one, allowing for modification of the PG acyl-chain profile.

Acyl-chain remodeling can influence membrane fluidity and stability. By altering the length and saturation of fatty acyl chains in PG, bacteria can adapt to changes in temperature or environmental stressors. For example, in response to cold temperatures, bacteria may increase the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in PG, which helps maintain membrane fluidity.

Furthermore, acyl-chain remodeling plays a role in bacterial pathogenesis. In some pathogenic bacteria, specific modifications of PG acyl chains are required for the assembly of virulence factors or for the interaction with host cells.

Overall, PG acyl-chain remodeling is a dynamic process that allows bacteria to maintain membrane integrity and function in response to environmental changes. It involves the coordinated action of phospholipases and acyltransferases, resulting in the modification of the fatty acid composition of PG. This process is essential for bacterial survival and pathogenesis.'
"

Proteins (3)

Compounds (4)