About the structure and biological function of PI
Structure. Phosphatidylinositols (PtdIns, GPIns, or PI) belong to the group of ester phospholipids within the phospholipids. Their structure consists of a glycerol backbone linked to two fatty acids and a phosphoinositol molecule. The fatty acids can be of variable length, hydroxylated, and contain double bonds.
Function. Phosphatidylinositols are key membrane components and vital to many cellular processes. They are the major source for arachidonic acid for the synthesis of eicosanoids, bioactive lipids with signaling functions in allergy, inflammation, childbirth, pain perception, cell growth, blood pressure, and more. Further, phosphatidylinositols are the precursors to phosphoinositides with further signaling and other functional activities.
