Abstract
Cellular phospholipids (PLs) differ by the nature of their polar heads as well as by the length and unsaturation level of their fatty acyl chains. We discuss how the ratio between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated PLs impacts on the functions of such organelles as the endoplasmic reticulum, synaptic vesicles, and photoreceptor discs. Recent experiments and simulations suggest that polyunsaturated PLs respond differently to mechanical stress, including membrane bending, than monounsaturated PLs owing to their unique conformational plasticity. These findings suggest a rationale for PL acyl chain remodeling by acyltransferases and a molecular explanation for the importance of a balanced fatty acid diet.
Keywords:
lipid remodeling; lipid-packing defect; mechanotransduction; membrane curvature; polyunsaturated phospholipid.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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1-Acylglycerophosphocholine O-Acyltransferase / metabolism
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Animals
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Biomechanical Phenomena
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Dietary Fats / metabolism
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Endoplasmic Reticulum / chemistry*
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Endoplasmic Reticulum / physiology
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Endoplasmic Reticulum / ultrastructure
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Eukaryotic Cells / chemistry*
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Eukaryotic Cells / metabolism
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Eukaryotic Cells / ultrastructure
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Fatty Acids / chemistry
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Fatty Acids / metabolism*
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Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / chemistry
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Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / metabolism*
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Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / chemistry
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Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / metabolism*
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Humans
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Phospholipids / chemistry
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Phospholipids / metabolism*
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Stress, Mechanical
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Synaptic Vesicles / chemistry*
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Synaptic Vesicles / physiology
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Synaptic Vesicles / ultrastructure
Substances
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Dietary Fats
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Fatty Acids
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Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated
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Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
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Phospholipids
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1-Acylglycerophosphocholine O-Acyltransferase