About the structure and biological function of PC O-

Structure. Ether-linked phosphatidyl-cholines (plasmanyl-phosphatidylcholines, alkyl-phosphatidylcholines, Platelet Activating Factor, PAF, or PC O-) are a type of glycerophosphocholines, a class of glycerophospholipids. Their structure consists of a glycerol backbone linked to two fatty acids and a phosphocholine molecule. One of the fatty acids is bound to the glycerol backbone via an ether bond. The fatty acids can be of variable length, hydroxylated, and contain double bonds.

Ether-linked phosphatidylcholines (PC O-) are a type of glycerophosphocholines, a class of glycerophospholipids. Their structure consists of a glycerol backbone linked to two fatty acids and a phosphocholine molecule. One of the fatty acids is bound to the glycerol backbone via an ether bond. PC O- lipids are found in animals and microbes. On a subcellular level, they are enriched in the cell membrane and lipid droplets.

Function. Ether-linked phosphatidyl-cholines contain high amounts of arachidonic acid required for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids, bioactive lipids with a great role in inflammation. Levels of PC O- lipids are reduced in the blood of patients with multiple sclerosis. On the other hand, elevated levels have been found in cancers, especially in aggressive forms. Further, PC O- lipids are important membrane constituents of neutrophils, the most abundant type of white blood cells in humans.