New developments in phospholipase A(2)

Some of the most recent data concerning Various phospholipases A(2), with s pecial emphasis on secretory, cytosolic, and calcium-independent phospholip ases A(2) are summarized. Besides their contribution to the production of p roinflammatory lipid mediators, the involvement of these enzymes in key cel l responses such as apoptosis or tumor cell metastatic potential is also di scussed, taking advantage of transgenic models based on gene invalidation b y homologous recombination; The possible role of secretory and cytosolic pl atelet-activating factor acetyl hydrolases is also briefly mentioned. Final ly, the ectopic expression in epididymis of an intestinal phospholipase B o pens some novel issues as: to the possible function of phospholipases in re production.