LYSOPHOSPHATIDIC ACID AS A PHOSPHOLIPID MEDIATOR - PATHWAYS OF SYNTHESIS

From very recent studies, including molecular cloning of cDNA coding f or membrane receptors, Iysophosphatidic acid (LPA) reached the status of a novel phospholipid mediator with various biological activities. A nother strong argument supporting this view was the discovery that LPA is secreted from activated platelets, resulting in its appearance in serum upon blood coagulation. The metabolic pathways as well as the en zymes responsible for LPA production are poorly characterized. However , a survey of literature data indicates some interesting issues which might be used as the basis for further molecular characterization of p hospholipases A able to degrade phosphatidic acid. (C) 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.