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 is given great attention when studying the signal functions of chemical compounds.
To date, not all links of the metabolism of phosphatid acids are clear, in particular, the question of the mechanism of signal transmission by these compounds, as well as the presence of ionophore properties of phosphatid acids, is still being 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 dephosphorylation reaction).
When interacting with the same enzyme, phosphatidic acid can 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 adipocytes (adipose tissue cells) entering fatty acids resulting from the hydrolysis of fats (mainly lipoproteins of very low density). Inside the cells, interacting with glycerol tri-phosphate, fatty acids are first converted to lysophosphatidic acid, from which phosphatidic acid is subsequently formed.
The formula of glycerophospholipids formed from it contains phosphoric and fatty acid residues, 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 act as intermediaries in the transmission of information in 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 a cellular reaction 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 significantly increases. This reaction is caused by:
- Osmotic stress.
- Exposure to low temperatures.
- The effect of certain biologically active substances of plant origin (phytohormones).
Thus, it can be concluded that phosphatidic acid and its metabolites participate in the complex of reactions responsible for adaptation of the body 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. Based on this, the 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 signal transmission method (mechanism) itself is still under discussion and needs to be clarified.
However, there is no doubt that transduction is due to the ability of phosphatidic acid, acting on the structure of the cell membrane, to regulate the activity of membrane enzymes, as well as to participate in the interaction with cell membranes of protein molecules.
The use of phosphatidic acid
Studies of the antioxidant activity of phosphatidic acid derivatives, carried out both in the study of model processes and with the use of biological objects, showed that the so-called mimetics of phosphatidic acid have many mechanisms of antioxidant effects.
Comprehensive information on the direction of action of phosphatidic acid allows its and its metabolites to be used 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; This important point minimizes the likelihood of negative side effects.