Lipid modulators of cell function

Lipids have surfaced as potent and diverse modulators of cell functions, as determinants of membrane structure, as ligands for cell-surface receptors, as anchors for membrane-associated proteins, and as "second messengers." Some of these functions involve the complex lipids directly, as exemplified by the alteration of receptor behavior by gangliosides. However, many other functions entail cleavage of membrane lipids to yield (as examples): unsaturated fatty acids, which are converted to prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes, and other compounds; diacylglycerols, which activate protein kinase C; inositol phosphates, which stimulate release of calcium from intracellular stores; and lysoalkylphosphatidylcholine, which is converted to platelet-activating factor. New roles for membrane lipids are constantly appearing, such as the inhibition of protein kinase C by sphingosine and the release of phosphatidylinositol-linked proteins in response to hormones. Dietary modification of these lipid systems could have important implications for normal cell function and disease.