Phosphatidylglucoside: Its structure, thermal behavior, and domain formation in plasma membranes

► This mini-review deals with a unique glyco-glycerophospholipid, phosphatidylglucoside (PtdGlc). ► PtdGlc found mammalian cells is a single molecule species containing only stearic (C18:0) and arachidic (C20:0) acid in the chain. ► PtdGlc forms a distinct domain on the outer leaflet of plasma membranes. ► The discovery of PtdGlc, the chemical structure, the thermal behavior and the domain formation are described. ► Finally, we discuss proposed biological functions of PtdGlc.