1acylglycerol3phosphate

1-Acylglycerol-3-phosphate is a monoacyl glycerol phosphate in which a single fatty acyl group is esterified to the sn-1 position of glycerol and a phosphate group remains on the sn-3 position. This compound serves as an intermediate in the de novo synthesis of glycerolipids, including phospholipids and triglycerides, in many organisms.

Biosynthesis: In the first acylation step of the glycerol phosphate pathway, glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) transfers a fatty acyl-CoA to the sn-1 position to form 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate. A subsequent acylation at the sn-2 position, by 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (AGPAT), yields phosphatidic acid, which is a central branch point leading to the production of diacylglycerol and phospholipids.

Role and importance: The phosphatidic acid produced is a precursor for phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, and for triglyceride synthesis in adipocytes and liver. The regulation of GPAT and AGPAT activities helps control the balance between membrane lipid synthesis and energy storage. Abnormal flux through this pathway has been implicated in metabolic disorders and lipid-related diseases.

Notes: In some contexts, the term lysophosphatidic acid is used for related molecules, but 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate specifically denotes the monoacyl glycerol phosphate intermediate in the glycerolipid pathway.