Synthetic Phosphatidic Acid

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is an important acidic lipid that is only found in relatively small amounts in comparison to other lipids. Phosphatidic acid acts as the precursor to a number of phospholipids and triacylglycerols, is integral in forming the shape of cellular membranes,^1,2 has roles in cellular signaling,³ and has a function in vesicle fission and fusion. PA is generally synthesized by the acylation of glycerophosphate but can also be synthesized by the phosphorylation of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol or the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine. PA can be converted to diacylglycerols which are important cellular signaling agents.⁴

References:

J. Faraudo and A. Travesset “Phosphatidic Acid Domains in Membranes: Effect of Divalent Counterions” Biophysical Journal, Vol. 92 pp. 2806-2818, 2007
E. Kooijman et al. “Modulation of Membrane Curvature by Phosphatidic Acid and Lysophosphatidic Acid” Traffic, Vol. 4(3) pp. 162-174, 2003
K. Athenstaedt and G. Daum “Phosphatidic acid, a key intermediate in lipid metabolism” European Journal of Biochemistry, Vol. 266 pp. 1-16, 1999
M. Hodgkin et al. “Diacylglycerols and phosphatidates: which molecular species are intracellular messengers?” Trends in Biochemical Sciences, Vol. 23(6) pp. 200-204, 1998