About the structure and biological function of VLCFA
Structure. Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) belong to the group of fatty acids within the fatty acyls. Their structure consists of a hydrocarbon chain of twenty-two to thirty carbon atoms and a carboxylic head group. The hydrocarbon chain of VLCFAs can further contain multiple double bonds, and be branched or linear.
Function. Very long chain fatty acids occur in many plant waxes and some animal waxes. VLCFAs are predominantly found in the ceramide backbone of sphingolipids. They alter the membrane thickness and rigidity locally and contribute to the formation of lipid rafts, subdomains of the cell membrane. Both, excess and deficiency of VLCFAs in the brain has been linked to neurological disorders. VLCFA level in plasma is used to diagnose adrenoleukodystrophy.
