Phospholipases in the nucleus

There is a well established role for various phospholipases involved in the production of intracellular signals at the plasma membrane. In contrast much less is known of their role in other intracellular compartments, however, emerging evidence would suggest that some of these enzymes are also involved in the production of signals within the nucleus. Translocation to and activation of protein kinase C (PKC) within the nucleus has been suggested to be important in a number of diverse cellular processes suggesting the requirement for the intranuclear production of diacylglycerol (DAG), a known physiological activator of this enzyme. As the activation of a number of phospholipases leads to the production of DAG this review will consider the notion that these enzymes are present within the nucleus and that their activities can be stimulated to produce this important regulator of PKC.