Phosphatidic acid. Synthesis and meaning in the body

From the point of view of the chemical structure, phosphatidic acid is the simplest phospholipid.

This substance is one of the intermediate stages of the metabolism of phosphoglycerides in the living body.

This class of substances is given great attention in the study of the signal functions of chemical compounds.

To date, not all the links in the metabolism of phosphatidic acids are completely clear, in particular, the question of the mechanism of signal transmission by these compounds, as well as the presence of ionophore properties in phosphatidic acids, is still considered.

Synthesis of phosphatidic acid

The formation of phosphatidic acid occurs under the influence of phospholipase D. This class of enzymes has a leading role in the synthesis of phosphatidic acids. Being a relatively short-lived chemical compound, subsequently this substance under the influence of phosphohydrolase is hydrolyzed to diglyceride (as a result of the dephosphorylation reaction).

When interacting with the same enzyme, phosphatidic acid can be transformed into diacylglycerol, which performs the function of the activator of the protein kinase C enzyme in the cycle of biochemical reactions.

Synthesis of phosphatidic acid occurs in adipose tissue. The process begins with adipocytes (fatty tissue cells) of fatty acids formed as a result of hydrolysis of fats (mainly very low density lipoproteins). Inside the cells, interacting with glycerol-tri-phosphate, the fatty acids are first converted into lysophosphatidic acid, from which phosphatidic acid is subsequently formed.

The formula formed from it glycerophospholipids contains residues of phosphoric and fatty acids, glycerin, as well as nitrogen-containing acid residues.

The value of phosphatidic acid

It has been established that phosphatidic acid belongs to the so-called signaling compounds, that is, that they carry the function of intermediaries in the transmission of information in the signaling pathways. In particular, it is a key link in the transmission of the following signals in a plant cell:

• Cytokinin;
• Osmotic, which is important in the development of cellular responses 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 is substantially increased. Such a reaction is caused by:

• Osmotic stress.
• Exposure to low temperatures.
• The influence of certain biologically active substances having a plant origin (phytohormones).

Thus, it can be concluded that phosphatidic acid and its metabolites participate in the complex of reactions responsible for adapting the organism to stressful situations.

In addition, it is known that phosphatidic acid is necessary for the transport of protons and calcium ions through the membranes of neurons and muscle fibers. Proceeding from this, phosphoric acid is also attributed to the ionophore function (selectively: for calcium and proton ions).

Mechanism of transduction

Despite the fact that the purpose of phosphatidic acid is established, the very method (mechanism) of the signal transmission is still being discussed and needs to be clarified.

However, there is no doubt that transduction is due to the ability of phosphatidic acid, affecting the structure of the cell membrane, regulating the activity of membrane enzymes, and also to participate in the interaction with the cellular membranes of protein molecules.

The use of phosphatidic acid

Studies of the antioxidant activity of phosphatidic acid derivatives, conducted both in the study of model processes and involving biological objects, have shown that the so-called mimetics of phosphatidic acid have a variety of mechanisms of antioxidant action.

Exhaustive information on the directivity of the action of phosphatidic acid makes it possible to use it and its metabolites in the production of biologically active substances designed to improve the working capacity and endurance of body cells.

Acting at the cellular level, such compounds do not stimulate, but only normalize the work of cells; This important point minimizes the likelihood of negative side effects.