About the structure and biological function of CDP-DAG
Structure. CDP-diacylglycerols (cytidine-diphosphate-diglycerides, CDP-diglycerides, or CDP-DAG) belong to the group of CDP-glycerols within the phospholipids. Their structure consists of a glycerol backbone linked to two fatty acids and a cytidine diphosphate molecule (CDP). The fatty acids can be of variable length, hydroxylated, and contain double bonds.
Function. CDP-DAG lipids occupy a branch point in the biosynthesis of complex glycerolipids. The distinct end-products depend on the subcellular location of synthesis. For example, CDP-DAGs are used for cardiolipin biosynthesis in mitochondria and for phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, CDP-DAG lipids also have a key role in regulation of phosphatidylinositol signal transduction. Further, they are linked to lipid droplet size in adipocytes.
