Phosphatidylserine in the brain: Metabolism and function

Abstract

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is the major anionic phospholipid class particularly enriched in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane in neural tissues. PS is synthesized from phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine by exchanging the base head group with serine in reactions are catalyzed by phosphatidylserine synthase 1 and phosphatidylserine synthase 2 located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Activation of Akt, Raf-1 and protein kinase C signaling, which supports neuronal survival and differentiation, requires interaction of these proteins with PS localized in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane. Furthermore, neurotransmitter release by exocytosis and a number of synaptic receptors and proteins are modulated by PS present in the neuronal membranes. Brain is highly enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and brain PS has a high DHA content. By promoting PS synthesis, DHA can uniquely expand the PS pool in neuronal membranes and thereby influence PS-dependent signaling and protein function. Ethanol decreases DHA-promoted PS synthesis and accumulation in neurons, which may contribute to the deleterious effects of ethanol intake. Improvement of some memory functions has been observed in cognitively impaired subjects as a result of PS supplementation, but the mechanism is unclear.

Dysregulation of Phospholipid Metabolism in Synaptic Membranes and Their Role in Encephalopathy Forming After a Hemorrhagic Shock

“…Reduced level of PS in the synaptic membranes of the frontal part of the brain can be regarded as a key factor in the development of encephalopathy during HS because this PL has an important role in the mechanisms of memory and cognitive functions. Exogenous PS significantly improves memory, ability to training, the concentration of attention, and psycho-emotional condition [3,56,57].…”

“…Activation of phospholipases leads to the modification of the lipid bilayer of nerve endings. Metabolites of neuronal synaptic membranes PLs efficiently activate many membrane-associated enzymes, as well as, endocytosis and exocytosis of neurotransmitters and control pathogenic mechanisms of a number of neurodegenerative diseases [3,4]. Disruption of membrane PLs significantly contributes to neuronal death at pathological conditions [5].…”

Pain Perception in Buddhism Perspective

“…Memory and understanding of pain which are induced by the stimuli are recorded in the reverberating circuit systems and intracellular micro-molecules for memory of the brain (Kim et al 2014;Moscovitch et al 2005;Shonesy et al 2014;Viola et al 2014). In Abhidhamma, memory and understanding of the pain are also mentioned and are classified into levels according to the quality.…”

Astrocytes Release Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids by Lipopolysaccharide Stimuli

“…5,6) The central nervous system (CNS) is enriched in lipids [7][8][9][10] and, in particular, brain consist of 20% polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). Furthermore, these PUFAs mainly relate the physiological function of the brain.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] FAs served not only as cellular nutrients and cell membrane components but also as lipidsoluble signal molecules, suggesting that FAs play vital roles in a wide variety of physiological function. 5,6) The central nervous system (CNS) is enriched in lipids [7][8][9][10] and, in particular, brain consist of 20% polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). Furthermore, these PUFAs mainly relate the physiological function of the brain.…”