Cyclopropane fatty acids (CFA) are synthesized by the modification of an unsaturated bond of acyl chains of phospholipid bilayers by methylenation via cyclopropane fatty acyl phospholipid synthase. CFA phospholipid synthase is a unique enzyme in that it acts on the nonpolar part of the phospholipids. The bond that is modified is about nine to eleven carbon atoms from the glycerol backbone. S-adenosyl-L-methionine donates a methylene group to the cis double bond of the unsaturated fatty acid. CFA synthase acts on phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. Cyclopropane fatty acids in the cytoplasmic membrane protect cells from ethanol, high osmotic pressure and other environmental stressors.

Cyclopropane Fatty Acid (CFA) Biosynthesis References