What is "lysophosphatidylethanolamine"

n. (context organic chemistry English) Any derivative of phosphatidylethanolamine in which one or both acyl derivatives have been removed by hydrolysis

A lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) is a type of chemical compound derived from a phosphatidylethanolamine, which is typical of cell membranes. LPE results from partial hydrolysis of phosphatidylethanolamine, which removes one of the fatty acid groups. The hydrolysis is generally the result of the enzymatic action of phospholipase A2. LPE can be used in agricultural use to regulate plant growth such as color increase, sugar content increase, plant health increase, and storability increase without side effect.

LPE is present as a minor phospholipid in the cell membrane. Actually, LPE was detected in human serum, and its level is reported to be about several hundred ng mL. Available sources of LPE are egg yolk lecithin (≤1.5%), soybean lecithin (≤0.2%), and other lecithins.