About the structure and biological function of CL
Structure. Cardiolipins (Ptd2Gro, or CL) belong to the group of diphosphatidylglycerols within the phospholipids. Their structure consists of two diacylglycerophosphates linked to each other via a third glycerol backbone. In total, cardiolipins contain four ester-linked fatty acids. They can be of variable length, hydroxylated, and contain double bonds.
Function. Cardiolipins are tied to the synthesis of ATP, cellular energy. They are a vital component of cellular membranes whose function is to generate an electrochemical potential, such as mitochondrial membranes. There, they interact with many membrane proteins regulating and controlling their functions. They are also involved in apoptosis and mitophagy, programmed cell death and mitochondrial degradation. Further, cardiolipin aberrations are linked to Barth syndrome, cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.
