Lipids and signal transduction in the nucleus

During the last few years a growing amount of data has accumulated showing phospholipid participation in nuclear signal transduction. Very recent data strongly support the hypothesis that signal transduction in the nucleus is autonomic. Local production of inositol polyphosphates, beginning with the activation of phospholipase C is required for their specific function in t he nucleus. Enzymes which modify polyphosphoinositols may control gene expr ession. Much less information is available about the role of other lipids i n nuclear signal transduction. The aim of this minireview is to stress what is currently known about nuclear lipids with respect to nuclear signal tra nsduction.