Phospholipase

Phospholipase

Phospholipase (/ˌfɒsfəˈlaɪpeɪz/, from the Greek phospho, meaning "light-bringing" and lipase, meaning "fat-splitting enzyme") is a type of enzyme that cleaves phospholipids. Phospholipids are a class of lipids that are a major component of all cell membranes.

Etymology

The term "Phospholipase" is derived from the Greek words phospho (meaning "light-bringing") and lipase (meaning "fat-splitting enzyme"). The term was first used in the late 19th century to describe enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of phospholipids.

Function

Phospholipases play a key role in lipid metabolism and cell signaling. They are involved in the breakdown of phospholipids into fatty acids and other lipophilic substances. There are four major classes of phospholipases: Phospholipase A1, Phospholipase A2, Phospholipase C, and Phospholipase D.

Phospholipase A1

Phospholipase A1 is an enzyme that removes the 1-acyl. Phospholipase A1 is an enzyme in the phospholipase A subfamily that specifically catalyzes the cleavage of Type I phosphatidic acids.

Phospholipase A2

Phospholipase A2 is an enzyme that removes the 2-acyl. Phospholipase A2 is an enzyme in the phospholipase A subfamily that specifically catalyzes the cleavage of Type II phosphatidic acids.

Phospholipase C

Phospholipase C is an enzyme that cleaves the phosphate group at the glycerol backbone of phospholipids. They are particularly important in the processes of cell signaling and signal transduction.

Phospholipase D

Phospholipase D is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine in order to yield phosphatidic acid and choline.

Related Terms

• Enzyme
• Phospholipid
• Cell membrane
• Lipid metabolism
• Cell signaling
• Phospholipase A1
• Phospholipase A2
• Phospholipase C
• Phospholipase D

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Phospholipase
• Wikipedia's article - Phospholipase

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