Phosphatidic acid: from biophysical properties to diverse functions

Phosphatidic acid (PA), the simplest phospholipid, acts as a key metabolic intermediate and second messenger that impacts diverse cellular and physiological processes across species ranging from microbes to plants and mammals. The cellular levels of PA dynamically change in response to stimuli, and multiple enzymatic reactions can mediate its production and degradation. PA acts as a signalling molecule and regulates various cellular processes via its effects on membrane tethering, enzymatic activities of target proteins, and vesicular trafficking. Because of its unique physicochemical properties compared to other phospholipids, PA has emerged as a class of new lipid mediators influencing membrane structure, dynamics, and protein interactions. This review summarizes the biosynthesis, dynamics, and cellular functions and properties of PA.

Automated summary

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is a key metabolic intermediate and second messenger that influences cellular and physiological processes across various species. PA levels change dynamically in response to stimuli and can be produced and degraded by multiple enzymatic reactions. PA acts as a signalling molecule, regulating cellular processes through its effects on membrane tethering, target protein enzymatic activities, and vesicular trafficking. Its unique physicochemical properties make PA a class of new lipid mediators that impact membrane structure, dynamics, and protein interactions.