Role of Fatty Aldehyde Dehydrogenase in Ether Lipid Degradation Pathways

Ether Lipid Metabolism Ether-linked glycerolipids are present in most mammalian tissues including brain, kidney, heart and skin. They were once strictly referred to as structural components of membranes, but by now it is known that some are biologically active (1). Ether lipids have as important roles as maintaining proper brain function, spermatogenesis, mediation of inflammation and lens organisation (2-4). The ether bond of ether lipids is synthesised by the action of two peroxisomal enzymes, dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase (DHAPAT) and alkyl-dihydroxyacetonephosphate synthase (ADAPS) (5, 6). Lack of ether lipids in DHAPAT knockout mice causes early arrest of spermatogenesis, formation of a lenticonus anterior accompanied with the generation of cataract and hypomyelination in distinct regions of the central nerve system (reviewed by 2).