Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE)

Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) is a class of chemical compounds which are derived from phosphatidylethanolamine. They result from partial hydrolysis of phosphatidylethanolamine, which removes one of the fatty acid groups. The hydrolysis is generally the result of the enzymatic action of phospholipase A2. LPE can be used in agricultural use to regulate plant growth such as color increase, sugar content increase, plant health increase, and storability increase without side effect. LPE is present as a minor phospholipid in the cell membrane. Actually, LPE was detected in human serum, and its level is reported to be about several hundred ng mL−1. Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) is a minor constituent of cell membranes. LPE plays a role in cell-mediated cell signaling and activation of other enzymes. The physiological significance of the plasma LPE remains unknown.