Systematic crosstalk in plasmalogen and diacyl lipid biosynthesis for their differential yet concerted molecular functions in the cell

Plasmalogen is a major phospholipid of mammalian cell membranes. Recently it is becoming evident that the sn -1 vinyl-ether linkage in plasmalogen, contrasting to the ester linkage in the counterpart diacyl glycer-ophospholipid, yields differential molecular characteristics for these lipids especially related to hydrocarbon-chain order, so as to concertedly regulate biological membrane processes. A role played by NMR in gaining information in this respect, ranging from molecular to tissue levels, draws particular attention. We note here that a broad range of enzymes in de novo synthesis pathway of plasmalogen commonly constitute that of diacyl glycerophospholipid. This fact forms the basis for systematic crosstalk that not only controls a quantitative balance between these lipids, but also senses a defect causing loss of lipid in either pathway for compensation by increase of the counterpart lipid. However, this inherent counterbalancing mechanism paradoxically amplifies imbalance in differential effects of these lipids in a diseased state on membrane processes. While sharing of enzymes has been recognized, it is now possible to overview the crosstalk with growing information for specific enzymes involved. The overview provides a fundamental clue to consider cell and tissue type-dependent schemes in regulating membrane processes by plasmalogen and diacyl glycerophospholipid in health and disease.

Automated summary

Plasmalogen, a major phospholipid in cell membranes, exhibits differential molecular characteristics compared to diacyl glycerophospholipid due to its sn-1 vinyl-ether linkage. NMR plays a significant role in studying plasmalogen at the molecular and tissue levels, providing valuable insights into its regulation of biological membrane processes. The shared enzymes in the de novo synthesis pathways of plasmalogen and diacyl glycerophospholipid contribute to a dynamic crosstalk between these lipids, which plays a crucial role in maintaining lipid balance and compensating for defects. However, this counterbalancing mechanism may lead to imbalances and differential effects on membrane processes in diseased states.