Phosphatidylethanolamine

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is a vital lipid found in biological membranes. It is a glycerophospholipid that consists of two fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule through ester linkages and an ethanolamine attached through a phosphodiester bond.

Structure

The structure of phosphatidylethanolamine is similar to other phospholipids, with a hydrophilic "head" and two hydrophobic "tails". The head group of PE is ethanolamine, while the tails are derived from fatty acids and are usually 16 or 18 carbons long. The presence of PE in the membrane can affect the membrane's biophysical properties.

Biosynthesis

Phosphatidylethanolamine is synthesized in a few different ways in the cell. The most common pathway is the CDP-ethanolamine pathway, which takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum. In this pathway, ethanolamine is activated by cytidine triphosphate (CTP) to form CDP-ethanolamine, which is then combined with diacylglycerol to form PE.

Function

Phosphatidylethanolamine plays several important roles in the cell. It is a key component of the lipid bilayer, and its presence can influence the membrane's curvature and fluidity. PE also plays a role in protein folding, and it can act as a precursor for other lipids.

Clinical significance

Alterations in PE metabolism have been linked to several diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, understanding the function and regulation of PE could have important implications for human health.

See also

• Phospholipid
• Lipid bilayer
• Protein folding