A new way to create ether lipids

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

TMEM164 is an acyltransferase that forms ferroptotic C20:4 ether phospholipids

Alex Reed et al.

Summary: Our study reveals that TMEM164 is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in ferroptosis by producing PUFA ether phospholipids (ePLs). Deletion of TMEM164 reduces the levels of C20:4 ePLs, which in turn affects the sensitivity of cancer cells to ferroptosis. These findings provide important insights into the understanding of this form of cell death.

NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY (2023)

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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

LPCAT3 Inhibitors Remodel the Polyunsaturated Phospholipid Content of Human Cells and Protect from Ferroptosis

Alex Reed et al.

Summary: The discovery of potent inhibitors of LPCAT3 provides a new tool to study the biological processes involving LPCAT3 and its potential role in ferroptosis. The inhibitors cause rapid rewiring of polyunsaturated phospholipids in human cells, which may explain the partial protection from ferroptosis observed in cells with LPCAT3 disruption.

ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY (2022)

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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Peroxisome-driven ether-linked phospholipids biosynthesis is essential for ferroptosis

Weiwei Cui et al.

Summary: Ferroptosis is primarily induced by peroxidation of long-chain PUFA, but the role of SFA remains unclear. The study identified FAR1 as a key factor in SFA-mediated ferroptosis, involved in the synthesis of alkyl-ether lipids and plasmalogens, revealing a new pathway for ferroptosis.

CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences