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Phospholipid signaling in leukocytes
1Department of Physiology, University College London, UK.
Current Opinion in Hematology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Recent research reveals novel roles for GTPases and other proteins in regulating phospholipid metabolism and second messenger generation. These findings link signal transduction pathways to vesicular traffic and cytoskeletal organization.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Agonist-induced phospholipid metabolism generates crucial second messengers.
- GTPases and other proteins are key regulators in these signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate novel mechanisms in second messenger generation.
- To identify new regulators of phospholipases and phosphokinases.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the functions of GTPases (ARF, Rho) and heterotrimeric G-proteins.
- Examined the role of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein in enzyme activity.
Main Results:
- ARF and Rho activate phospholipase D; Rho also regulates phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase.
- G-protein subunits regulate a new phosphatidylinositol kinase isoform.
- Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein is essential for phospholipase C isozymes.
Conclusions:
- Identified novel regulators of phospholipid metabolism, including ARF, Rho, and phosphatidylinositol transfer protein.
- Established connections between signal transduction, vesicular traffic, and cytoskeletal dynamics.