phosphatidylserine acyl-chain remodeling

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Remodeling the acyl chains of phosphatidylserine, through sequential deacylation and re-acylation reactions, to generate phosphatidylserine containing different types of fatty acid acyl chains. [GOC:mw, PMID:18287005, PMID:18458083]

Phosphatidylserine acyl-chain remodeling is a crucial process in cellular membrane homeostasis and signaling. It involves the exchange of fatty acid chains attached to the glycerol backbone of phosphatidylserine (PS) molecules. This dynamic process is essential for maintaining membrane fluidity, regulating membrane curvature, and influencing the activity of membrane-associated proteins.

**Key Enzymes and Processes:**

* **Phospholipase A2 (PLA2):** This enzyme plays a pivotal role by hydrolyzing the sn-2 ester bond of PS, releasing a fatty acid and generating lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS).
* **Lysophosphatidylserine acyltransferase (LPEAT):** This enzyme catalyzes the reacylation of LysoPS with a new fatty acid, restoring the intact PS molecule.
* **Acyl-CoA synthetase:** This enzyme activates fatty acids, converting them into acyl-CoA esters, which are the substrates for LPEAT.
* **Phospholipid translocases:** These proteins facilitate the movement of PS from the inner leaflet to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, where it can act as a signaling molecule during apoptosis.

**Regulation and Biological Significance:**

* **Cellular signaling:** Acyl-chain remodeling of PS is influenced by various signaling pathways, including those triggered by growth factors, hormones, and stress.
* **Membrane fluidity:** By altering the saturation and chain length of fatty acids attached to PS, the remodeling process regulates membrane fluidity and influences membrane curvature.
* **Apoptosis:** Exposure of PS on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane is a hallmark of apoptosis, serving as an "eat me" signal for phagocytic cells.
* **Cellular differentiation and development:** Acyl-chain remodeling of PS is implicated in various developmental processes, including neural differentiation and cell migration.
* **Neurological disorders:** Dysregulation of PS acyl-chain remodeling has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

**Summary:**

Phosphatidylserine acyl-chain remodeling is a tightly regulated process that involves the exchange of fatty acid chains on PS molecules. This dynamic process plays a crucial role in maintaining membrane homeostasis, regulating membrane curvature, influencing protein activity, and orchestrating cellular signaling, apoptosis, and development.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)