Functions and biosynthesis of plasmalogens in health and disease.
Plasmalogens (1-O-alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl glycerophospholipids) constitute a special class of phospholipids characterized by the presence of a vinyl-ether bond at the sn-1 position. Although long considered as biological peculiarities, interest in this group of phospholipids has grown in recent years, thanks to the realization that plasmalogens are involved in different human diseases. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge with respect to the enzymatic synthesis of plasmalogens, the characteristic topology of the enzymes involved and the biological roles that have been assigned to plasmalogens.
Brites
Pedro
P
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Academic Medical Center, Lab Genetic Metabolic Diseases, F0-224, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands.
Waterham
Hans R
HR
Wanders
Ronald J A
RJ
D006801:Humans; D006868:Hydrolysis; D010955:Plasmalogens / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D013347:Subcellular Fractions / Q000378:metabolism
D010955:Plasmalogens