In terms of chemical structure, phosphatidic acid is the simplest phospholipid.
This substance is one of the intermediate steps in the metabolism of phosphoglycerides in a living organism.
This class of substances receives much attention when studying the signal functions of chemical compounds.
Today, not all links in the metabolism of phosphatidic acids are completely clear, in particular, the question of the mechanism of signal transmission by these compounds is still being considered, as well as the presence of ionophoric properties in phosphatidic acids.
Synthesis of phosphatidic acid
The formation of phosphatidic acid occurs under the influence of phospholipase D. This class of enzymes plays a leading role in the synthesis of phosphatidic acids. Being a relatively short-lived chemical compound, this substance is subsequently hydrolyzed to diglyceride under the influence of phosphohydrolase (as a result of a dephosphorylation reaction).
When interacting with the same enzyme, phosphatidic acid can also be transformed into diacylglycerol, which acts as an activator of the protein kinase C enzyme in the cycle of biochemical reactions.
The synthesis of phosphatidic acid occurs in adipose tissue. The process begins with the entry into adipocytes (adipose tissue cells) of fatty acids formed as a result of the hydrolysis of fats (mainly very low density lipoproteins). Inside the cells, interacting with glycerol-tri-phosphate, fatty acids are first converted into lysophosphatidic acid, from which phosphatidic acid is subsequently formed.
The formula of glycerophospholipids formed from it contains residues of phosphoric and fatty acids, glycerol, as well as nitrogen-containing acid residues.
The value of phosphatidic acid
It has been established that phosphatidic acid belongs to the so-called signal compounds, that is, those that carry the function of mediators in the transmission of information in signal pathways. In particular, it is a key link in the transmission of the following signals in the plant cell:
- cytokinin;
- osmotic, which is important in the development of a cellular response to this type of stress.
During the experiments it was shown that the level of this compound in the cells of plant organisms under the influence of pathogenic factors increases significantly. This reaction is caused by:
- Osmotic stress.
- Exposure to cold temperatures.
- Influence of certain biologically active substances of plant origin (phytohormones).
Thus, we can conclude that phosphatidic acid and its metabolites are involved in the complex of reactions responsible for the body's adaptation to stresssituations.
In addition, it is known that phosphatidic acid is necessary for the reaction of transport of protons and calcium ions through the membranes of neurons and muscle fibers. Based on this, an ionophore function is also attributed to phosphatidic acid (selectively: for calcium ions and protons).
Transduction mechanism
Despite the fact that the purpose of phosphatidic acid has been established, the method (mechanism) of signal transmission itself is still being discussed and needs to be clarified.
However, there is no doubt that transduction is carried out due to the ability of phosphatidic acid, acting on the structure of the cell membrane, to regulate the activity of membrane enzymes, and also to participate in the interaction of protein molecules with cell membranes.
Use of phosphatidic acid
Studies of the antioxidant activity of phosphatidic acid derivatives, conducted both in the study of model processes and with the involvement of biological objects, showed that the so-called phosphatidic acid mimetics have many mechanisms of antioxidant action.
Comprehensive information about the direction of action of phosphatidic acid makes it possible to use it and its metabolites in the production of biologically active substances designed to increase the efficiency and endurance of body cells.
Acting at the cellular level, such compounds do not stimulate, but only normalize the work of cells; thisan important point minimizes the likelihood of negative side effects.
