Phosphatidylglycerol formation via transphosphatidylation by rat brain extracts

Phosphatidylglycerol formation by a transfer of the phosphatidyl moiety of phosphatidylcholine to free glycerol was demonstrated in rat brain preparations. Identification of the product as phosphatidylglycerol was accomplished by chromatography, chemical derivatization, and enzymatic hydrolysis. The optimum pH for the reaction was 6.0 with an apparent Km for glycerol of 0.2 M and for phosphatidylcholine of 3.5 mM. Divalent ions were not required and when added caused some inhibition. Phosphatidylcholine was the most effective phosphatidyl donor tested. Similarities to certain properties of phospholipase D also present suggests that these two activities may reside in the same enzyme.