Metabolism of phosphatidylcholine and its implications for lipid acyl chain composition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2007 Mar;1771(3):343-52. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2006.07.010. Epub 2006 Aug 2.

Abstract

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a very abundant membrane lipid in most eukaryotes including the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Consequently, the molecular species profile of PC, i.e. the ensemble of PC molecules with acyl chains differing in number of carbon atoms and double bonds, is important in determining the physical properties of eukaryotic membranes, and should be tightly regulated. In this review current insights in the contributions of biosynthesis, turnover, and remodeling by acyl chain exchange to the maintenance of PC homeostasis at the level of the molecular species in yeast are summarized. In addition, the phospholipid class-specific changes in membrane acyl chain composition induced by PC depletion are discussed, which identify PC as key player in a novel regulatory mechanism balancing the proportions of bilayer and non-bilayer lipids in yeast.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism*
  • Lipids / chemistry*
  • Membrane Lipids / chemistry
  • Membrane Lipids / metabolism
  • Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • Phosphatidylcholines / biosynthesis
  • Phosphatidylcholines / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism*
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Lipids
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Methyltransferases