Phosphatidylserine (PS)

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an important phospholipid involved in different cellular functions, such as maintenance of cellular integrity, signaling, and immune response modulation. This bioactive compound has attracted much interest due to its diverse biological activities, both from biochemical and medical points of view on its application. As a leading biochemical material supplier, BOC Sciences has established a top-class liposome technology platform for offering the most complete solution to liposome drug development services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, cosmetic, and nutrition industry. We provide high-quality phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylserine (PS)-based liposome custom services. Besides, through our expert research and development team and comprehensive service system, BOC Sciences offers other custom liposome services to meet the unique requirements of our customers.

What is Phosphatidylserine?

Phosphatidylserine is a negatively charged phospholipid, which is primarily located on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells. Normally, PS refers to a group of components because the acetyl residues of the lipids of products from different raw material sources are very different. This molecule, being an integral part of the phospholipid bilayer, affects a large number of cellular functions including apoptosis, cell signaling, and modulation of immune responses. Specific enzymes synthesize it from phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, maintaining its asymmetrical distribution across the membrane, a situation that is important for proper cellular function.

Phosphatidylserine Structure

PS is composed of three parts: the hydrophilic glycerol backbone as the head and the lipophilic groups of two longer hydrocarbon chains as the tail. The head contains three groups, namely a serine residue bonded to a phosphate residue then attached at the hydroxyl group of the glycerol at the C-3 position.

Overall, the structure of phosphatidylserine is characterized by the following components:

• Glycerol Backbone: The glycerol backbone provides structural support to attach two fatty acid acyl chains and one phosphate group, hence providing structural stability.
• Fatty Acyl Chains: These chains can be of different length and saturation, thereby affecting the fluidity and rigidity and overall functionality of the cellular membranes. Commonly, one is usually saturated while the other may be unsaturated, contributing to the flexibility of the membrane.
• Serine Residue: Attachment of amino acid serine to the phosphate group imparts a net negative charge to phosphatidylserine. Due to this property, its potential to interact with positively charged proteins increases, thus promoting important signaling processes inside the cell.

Sources of Phosphatidylserine

PS exists in the biofilms of all animals, higher plants, and microorganisms. In the human body, PS is mainly concentrated in the brain and accounts for about 15% of the total phospholipids in the brain. Both meat and fish contain PS, and its content in the brain or internal organs (such as the liver and kidney) is higher. There is very little PS found in dairy products and vegetables (except white beans).

The structure of phosphatidylserine. (Cassilly, C.D.; et al, 2018)

• Animal Sources: Brain tissue, liver, and other organ meats are rich sources that have been traditionally used by several cultures for their health-promoting effects.
• Plant Sources: PS can be sourced from soy lecithin, which has various nutritional benefits and is available so that it can be added as a supplement in the diet frequently.
• Synthetic Production: Biotechnological advances have enabled the synthesis of PS by fermentation processes, which allow for high-purity formulation suitable for use in supplements and research applications.

What does Phosphatidylserine do?

Phosphatidylserine (PS) plays a crucial role in various biological processes, influencing cellular function, signaling, and overall health.

• Cell Membrane Integrity: Phosphatidylserine is an important ingredient in the structure of cell membranes, and in most cases, it faces the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. It provides fluidity and stability to the cell membrane, enabling normal functioning of the membrane proteins and receptors. This asymmetric distribution of PS maintains cellular integrity and promotes necessary communication at the cellular level.
• Apoptosis and Efferocytosis: During programmed cell death, known as apoptosis, PS externalization renders the dying cellsfully recognizable by phagocytes. It is an ongoing process termed efferocytosis that prevents inflammation and tissue damage, hence regulating the immune response and thus the maintenance of homeostasis.
• Cellular Signaling: PS is involved with numerous signaling pathways that determine cellular responses to various extracellular signals. It interacts with proteins involved in signal transduction and affects cell growth, differentiation, and survival processes. In particular, this role of PS is significant during the maintenance of cellular functions under stress conditions.
• Neurotransmission: In neuronal cells, PS plays a role in neurotransmitter release and synaptic transmission, interacting with proteins that operate the signaling pathways which underpin higher cognition, like learning and memory. The role of PS in facilitating communication between neurons makes it quite important for health in the brain.
• Immune Function: Phosphatidylserine is involved in regulating the immune response through its function in modulating immune cell behavior. It can promote activation and migration of immune cells, enhancing the potential of cells to respond to infection and inflammation. This regulatory role has implications for the maintenance of homeostasis within the immune system.

Phosphatidylserine Benefits

Phosphatidylserine (PS) offers a wide array of benefits, particularly in the realms of cognitive health, stress management, and cellular function. Here are some of the most notable advantages associated with phosphatidylserine:

• Cognitive Enhancement: The most documented benefit of phosphatidylserine is that it acts positively on cognitive function. It may improve memory, attention, and overall mental performance. Most of these studies indicate improvement in this regard for elderly subjects. It supports synaptic function and neurotransmitter release, hence it helps with effective cognitive processing.
• Support for Athletic Performance: Phosphatidylserine has been studied for its potential benefits in sports performance. It may reduce exercise-induced stress and fatigue, improve recovery times, and enhance physical endurance. PS may be useful to maintain optimum performance by athletes during training and competition.
• Neuroprotective Properties: Phosphatidylserine protects neurons from damage. Its properties include providing support for the integrity of cell membranes, facilitating the processes of neurotransmission among neurons; hence, neuroprotection. This aspect becomes highly relevant in neurodegenerative diseases, where PS can prevent cognitive decline to a certain extent.
• Potential in Managing ADHD Symptoms: Limited evidence points to the fact that supplementation with phosphatidylserine might reduce symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents. Its role in improving attention and lowering impulsivity might provide a potential therapeutic effect in this regard.

Phosphatidylserine vs Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) are both essential phospholipids found in cell membranes, but they serve distinct functions and have unique properties. Understanding their differences can shed light on their respective roles in cellular health and function.

Advantages of Phosphatidylserine from BOC Sciences

BOC Sciences offers high-quality phosphatidylserine with several advantages:

• High Purity: Our PS products are manufactured to meet rigorous quality standards, ensuring high purity and bioactivity, which are critical for both research and therapeutic applications.
• Customization: We provide tailored formulations to meet specific research or therapeutic needs, supporting diverse applications in nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals.
• Expertise: With over 20 years in the industry, BOC Sciences leverages extensive knowledge and experience to deliver exceptional products and support for our clients, ensuring they have access to the highest quality phosphatidylserine.

Phosphatidylserine is an essential, polyfunctional phospholipid with various biological activities and therapeutic applications. BOC Sciences contributes to the effort in discovering its roles in health and disease with high-quality products of phosphatidylserine to help scientific research and innovation in drug development.

Reference

1. Cassilly, C.D.; et al. PS, It's Complicated: The Roles of Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidylethanolamine in the Pathogenesis of Candida albicans and Other Microbial Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel). 2018, 4(1): 28.