Remodeling of Membrane Phospholipids by Bacterial Desaturases

Abstract

Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) are critical components of membranes in organisms ranging from bacteria to man. Bacteria precisely adjust the amounts of UFAs by introducing double bonds into fatty acids that are produced by the biosynthetic pathway or by desaturation of the acyl chains of preexisting phospholipids. This review summarizes recent studies in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria that offer insights into the biochemical and genetic processes that are responsible for the biosynthesis of UFAs. A deeper understanding of the biosynthesis of UFAs in bacteria might lead to future studies of unexpected roles of these fatty acids in membrane physiology and pathogenesis.