Fig 1. Membrane-derived phospholipids, such as lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), an important intermediary in lipid metabolism, are important determinants of neuron activity by regulating synaptic function.

LPA induces short-term depression at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses by recruiting different signaling cascades. Because membrane-derived phospholipids, such as LPA, are intermediaries in lipids’ metabolism, these results suggest that bioactive phospholipids are potential candidates in coupling the metabolic status of the organism to brain function. Image credit: Bernardo Moreno-López.