lysophospholipid

Lysophospholipids are a class of glycerophospholipids that arise when one fatty acyl chain is removed from a phospholipid, typically by hydrolysis. The remaining acyl chain is attached to the glycerol backbone, and the molecule retains a phosphoric head group. Common examples include lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), and lysophosphatidylglycerol (LPG). A notable member is lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), the simplest lysophospholipid that also functions as a potent signaling lipid.

Formation and sources of lysophospholipids occur through enzymatic and non-enzymatic processes. Phospholipases A1 and A2 cleave fatty acids from phospholipids, generating lysophospholipids. Autotaxin (lysophospholipase D) converts LPC to LPA. Lysophospholipids also arise during digestion of dietary phospholipids and in lipoprotein remodeling and inflammatory responses.

Physicochemical properties of lysophospholipids are characterized by their amphipathic nature. They can influence membrane curvature and dynamics and may act as detergents at higher concentrations. Their single fatty acyl chain and head group arrangement affect micelle formation and interactions with membranes and proteins.

Biological roles of lysophospholipids are diverse. They can serve as substrates for lipid remodeling and act as bioactive mediators. LPA signals through specific G protein-coupled receptors (LPAR1–6), affecting cell migration, proliferation, survival, and cytoskeletal dynamics. LPC is involved in inflammatory signaling and acts as a chemoattractant for immune cells. Altered levels of lysophospholipids are linked to various conditions, including inflammation, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and cancer.

In research and medicine, lysophospholipids are studied in lipidomics and signaling pathways, and they are considered potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in certain diseases.