Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase: from Functions to Diseases

Locating on endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria associated membrane, Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT), catalyzes phosphatidylethanolamine methylation to phosphatidylcholine. As the only endogenous pathway for choline biosynthesis in mammals, the dysregulation of PEMT can lead to imbalance of phospholipid metabolism. Dysregulation of phospholipid metabolism in the liver or heart can lead to deposition of toxic lipid species that adversely result in dysfunction of hepatocyte/cardiomyocyte. Studies have shown that PEMT(-/-) mice increased susceptibility of diet-induced fatty liver and steatohepatitis. However, knockout of PEMT protects against diet-induced atherosclerosis, diet-induced obesity, and insulin resistance. Thus, novel insights to the function of PEMT in various organs should be summarized. Here, we reviewed the structural and functional properties of PEMT, highlighting its role in the pathogenesis of obesity, liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions.