Structural basis of lipid head group entry to the Kennedy pathway by FLVCR1. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38693265/)

These scientists were curious about how our cells take in important molecules called choline and ethanolamine to make other important molecules called phospholipids. Phospholipids are like building blocks for our cells. They found a protein called FLVCR1 that helps bring choline and ethanolamine into the cells. This protein is like a transporter that carries these molecules inside the cell where they can be changed into other molecules needed by the cell.

By studying the structure of FLVCR1 with choline and ethanolamine, the scientists discovered that these molecules bind to specific parts of the protein. They also found that the protein interacts differently with choline and ethanolamine because of their different shapes. By changing specific parts of the protein, they were able to see how the protein can transport ethanolamine but not choline, which helps separate the two pathways these molecules take in the cell.

Overall, this study showed how FLVCR1 is like a special bus that brings in choline and ethanolamine so that our cells can use them to make important molecules for our bodies.

Son Y., Kenny TC., Khan A., Birsoy K., Hite RK. Structural basis of lipid head group entry to the Kennedy pathway by FLVCR1. Nature. 2024 May;629(8012):710-716. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07374-4. Epub 2024 May 1.