VWA7 - A Putative Human Phosphatidylcholine-specific Phospholipase C.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Enzymology

Background:

• The existence of mammalian phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (pc-PLC) has been known for over 40 years.
• The specific gene encoding this mammalian enzyme has remained elusive until now.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the gene responsible for mammalian pc-PLC activity.
• To characterize the biochemical function and properties of the putative pc-PLC enzyme.

Main Methods:

• Structural comparison of human VWA7 with known bacterial pc-PLC.
• Investigation of VWA7 localization and activity in mammalian cells.
• Expression and activity assays of VWA7 variants in bacteria.

Main Results:

• Human VWA7 shares significant structural similarity with Bacillus cereus pc-PLC, including a conserved active site.
• pc-PLC activity was confirmed for bacterial VWA7 variants, with specific activity reaching up to 733 mU/mg.
• VWA7 variants demonstrated activity in mammalian cells, supporting its role as human pc-PLC.

Conclusions:

• Human von Willebrand factor A domain-containing protein 7 (VWA7) is identified as the putative pc-PLC.
• These findings provide biochemical evidence for VWA7's enzymatic activity and pave the way for further research.
• This study establishes a foundation for understanding the role of human pc-PLC and the VWA7 protein.