Phosphatidylglycerol-derived phospholipids have a universal, domain-crossing role in stress responses

• Anionic phospholipids are crucial elements for stress response.
• The function of phosphatidylglycerol-derived phospholipids is evolutionarily conserved.
• Several membrane proteins co-evolved with anionic phospholipids.

Phosphatidylglycerol and phospholipids derived from it are widely distributed throughout the three domains of life. Cardiolipin is the best characterized of these phospholipids, and plays a key role in the response to environmental variations. Phosphatidylglycerol-derived phospholipids confer cell membranes with a wide range of responses, including changes in surface charge, fluidity, flexibility, morphology, biosynthesis and remodeling, that adapt the cell to these situations. Furthermore, the synthesis and remodeling of these phospholipids is finely regulated, highlighting the importance of these lipids in cell homeostasis and responses during stressful situations. In this article, we review the most important roles of these anionic phospholipids across domains, focusing on the biophysical basis by which these phospholipids are used in stress responses.

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