During recent 20 years new biological functions of phospholipids have been discovered. It has been evidenced that some of them act, like hormones, as signaling molecules activating cellular receptors and, as a result, the corresponding signaling pathways. So far, the best known phospholipid mediator is sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) which acts as a ligand of membrane receptors belonging to GPCR family (G protein-coupled receptors).

To the group of phospholipid mediators belong also lysophosphatidic acid (1-acyl-2-hydroxy-snglycero-3-phosphate; LPA) and cyclic phosphatidic acid (1-acyl-sn-glycerol-2,3-cyclic phosphate; cPA) which act as ligands of nine membrane receptors and at least one nuclear receptor and influence morphology of many types of cells as well as their proliferation, migration, differentiation, viability and apoptosis. Because of its chemical structure cPA is considered as naturally occuring, cyclic analogue of LPA.

Recently the phospholipid mediator family has been extended by some new members: lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylinositol and lysophosphatidylserine have been identified under in vivo conditions. Results of preliminary studies indicate that these compounds are involved in pathophysiological processes related to cancers, type 2 diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis. So far, lysophospholipid mediators and their receptors have been only partially recognized. Therefore, synthesis and biological activities of these compounds will be very attractive for scientific community of molecular biologists, pharmacologists and chemists.

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