This phosphatidic acid (PA) is a well-defined phospholipid acylated with C14:0 fatty acids at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions. DMPA has been used to study the phosphatidic acid domains in membranes and the effect of divalent counterions.1 PA is an important acidic lipid that is only found in relatively small amounts in comparison to other lipids. Phosphatidic acid acts as the precursor to a number of phospholipids and triacylglycerols, is integral in forming the shape of cellular membranes,2 has roles in cellular signaling,3 and has a role in vesicle fission and fusion. PA is generally synthesized by the acylation of glycerophosphate but can also be synthesized by the phosphorylation of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol or the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine. PA can be converted to diacylglycerols which are important cellular signaling agents.4 The metabolism of phosphatidic acid has been shown to change due to external stimuli in the pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi and this could be used to develop a treatment for this disease.5
