Occurrence, biosynthesis and functions of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines (NAPE): Not just precursors of N-acylethanolamines (NAE)

► N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine is lipid mediator involved in various signaling events. ► Occurrence of NAPE in animals and plants is increased in stress conditions. ► NAPE modulate food intake, inflammation and provide fusogenic properties to membrane. ► Metabolic pathways promoting the synthesis and degradation of NAPE are discussed.