Ethanolamine is an intermediary metabolite in the serine-to-choline sequence. It can be used to synthesize phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), a very important membrane phospholipid. Ethanolamine is not only a precursor, but also a breakdown product of PE. Ethanolamine is abundant in both intestinal and bacterial cell membranes. It plays a significant role in the renewal and proliferation of intestinal cells and intestinal inflammation. Also, since ethanolamine plays a structural role in skeletal muscle cell membranes, some evidence suggests it may be a marker of skeletal muscle turnover.
References:
- Gao X, Lee K, Reid MA, et al. Serine Availability Influences Mitochondrial Dynamics and Function through Lipid Metabolism. Cell Rep. 2018;22(13):3507-3520.
- Garsin DA. Ethanolamine: a signal to commence a hostassociated lifestyle? mBio. 2012;3(4):e00172-00112.
- Zhou J, Xiong X, Wang K, Zou L, Lv D, Yin Y. Ethanolamine Metabolism in the Mammalian Gastrointestinal Tract: Mechanisms, Patterns, and Importance. Curr Molec Med. 2017;17(2):92-99.
- Zhou J, Xiong X, Wang KX, Zou LJ, Ji P, Yin YL. Ethanolamine enhances intestinal functions by altering gut microbiome and mucosal anti-stress capacity in weaned rats. Br J Nutr. 2018;120(3):241-249.
- Zeng MY, Inohara N, Nuñez G. Mechanisms of inflammationdriven bacterial dysbiosis in the gut. Mucos Immunol. 2017;10(1):18-26.
- Elliott P, Posma JM, Chan Q, et al. Urinary metabolic signatures of human adiposity. Sci Transl Med. 2015;7(285):285ra262.
- Henneberry AL, McMaster CR. Cloning and expression of a human choline/ethanolaminephosphotransferase: synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Biochem J. 1999;339 (Pt 2)(Pt 2):291-298.
- Horibata Y, Hirabayashi Y. Identification and characterization of human ethanolaminephosphotransferase1. J Lipid Res. 2007;48(3):503-508.
- Kaval KG, Singh KV, Cruz MR, et al. Loss of Ethanolamine Utilization in Enterococcus faecalis Increases Gastrointestinal Tract Colonization. mBio. 2018;9(3).
- Kaval KG, Garsin DA. Ethanolamine Utilization in Bacteria. mBio. 2018;9(1).
Ethanolamine
Every lab result you’ve ever had, charted and explained.
Healthmatters is a tracker for your lab results. Upload a report from any lab, any country — every marker charted and explained.
Start with my report →
All our content is backed by peer-reviewed studies, academic research, and trusted medical sources. We’re committed to accuracy and transparency — see our editorial policy for details.