Phosphatidylethanolamine signal transduction

The exact IL-1-mediated mechanism(s) of signal transduction remain to be clarified. A number of different signal transduction pathways have been implicated, including involvement of G-pro-teins. IL-1 has also been implicated in activation of protein kinase C by inducing the hydrolysis of phosphatidylethanolamine. 

FIGURE 11-2 Lipid composition of the plasma membrane and organelle membranes of a rat hepatocyte. The functional specialization of each membrane type is reflected in its unique lipid composition. Cholesterol is prominent in plasma membranes but barely detectable in mitochondrial membranes. Cardiolipin is a major component of the inner mitochondrial membrane but not of the plasma membrane. Phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylglycerol are relatively minor components (yellow) of most membranes but serve critical functions phosphatidylinositol and its derivatives, for example, are important in signal transductions triggered by hormones. Sphingolipids, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine are present in most membranes, but in varying proportions. Clycolipids, which are major components of the chloroplast membranes of plants, are virtually absent from animal cells. 

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