[Enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions of secreted phospholipases A].

Phospholipases catalyze enzymatic degradation of membrane lipids. The phospholipases are divided into four major groups: A, A, C, and D by the type of ester bond which is hydrolyzed. Phospholipases A (PLA) hydrolyze membrane glycerophospholipids at sn-2 position releasing lysophospholipid and free fatty acid. The PLAs are involved in biosynthesis of intracellular messengers (eicosanoids), endo- and exocytosis, and cytoskeleton reorganization. Moreover, secreted PLA play various functions which are not dependent on their enzymatic activity. An intriguing question is specific interaction of sPLA from snake venom with several protein acceptors (human coagulation factor Xa or CFTR). In this review, we describe classification of PLA, mechanism of catalytic action, as well as interactions of snake venom PLA with various human proteins.