Other Novel Enzymes
Our research program has focused mainly on phospholipase A2 and macrophages as a prototype signal transduction system. We are also carrying out studies on phospholipase D (173) and lysophospholipases (193) and have cloned and characterized a novel mammalian lysophospholipase (197). We have also studied the regiospecificity of the important lysophospholipase activity of the Group IV cPLA2 (195). Additionally, we discovered a phosphatidate phosphohydrolase in macrophages (184) and a novel signaling molecule, diacylglycerol pyrophosphate (206), which it breaks down. We have also examined signal transduction in human amnionic cells with an aim to understand the role of PLA2 in parturition (201, 219). Of special importance, we are currently identifying additional novel phospholipases and their role in signal transduction including those effecting sphingomyelin synthesis (196). One area of new work is to look at the role of PLA2s involved in Alzheimer’s disease and ischemia.
Our research program has focused mainly on phospholipase A2 and macrophages as a prototype signal transduction system. We are also carrying out studies on phospholipase D (173) and lysophospholipases (193) and have cloned and characterized a novel mammalian lysophospholipase (197). We have also studied the regiospecificity of the important lysophospholipase activity of the Group IV cPLA2 (195). Additionally, we discovered a phosphatidate phosphohydrolase in macrophages (184) and a novel signaling molecule, diacylglycerol pyrophosphate (206), which it breaks down. We have also examined signal transduction in human amnionic cells with an aim to understand the role of PLA2 in parturition (201, 219). Of special importance, we are currently identifying additional novel phospholipases and their role in signal transduction including those effecting sphingomyelin synthesis (196). One area of new work is to look at the role of PLA2s involved in Alzheimer’s disease and ischemia.