Phospholipases Used in Lipid Transformations

Enzyme‐catalysed transphosphatidylation

“…As several examples show, the catalytic potential of PLDs is not restricted to the phosphatidyl backbone but allows also modifications in the nonpolar residue. In addition to the head group exchange in lysophosphocholine [13], the transesterification in ether glycerophospholipids was reported (review in [1]). Interestingly, even alkylphosphocholines lacking the glycerol backbone [14] and -still more surprisingly -alkylphosphonocholines [15] can be transesterified by means of PLD.…”

“…The spectrum of chemical structures of alcohols, which can be introduced as head group, is wide and comprises in addition to the natural components of phospholipids (glycerol, choline, ethanolamine, serine, inositides) nucleosides, peptides, arsenocholine, N-heterocyclic alcohols, and aromatic compounds (reviewed in [1]). In general, primary alcohols are better acceptors than secondary ones, while no tertiary alcohol is known to be introduced.…”

“…While the transphosphatidylation power of PLDs has been used in phospholipid syntheses for decades (reviewed in [1]), biochemical basic research has mainly concentrated on their hydrolytic function (reviewed in [2]). In addition to their participation in phospholipid catabolism, PLDs are involved in cascades of signal transduction.…”

Production of synthetically created phospholipase A2 variants with industrial impact

“…In industry and chemical laboratories, secretory PLA 2 s have been exploited for the synthesis of lysophospholipids, which are widely used as emulgators in food and dietary industry or as drug carriers in pharmaceutical industry. More recently, PLA 2 s have been probed as catalyst for the synthesis of phospholipids with defined fatty acids by reesterification of lysophospholipids (review in Ulbrich-Hofmann, 2000).…”

Phospholipase D and its application in biocatalysis

“…In glycerophospholipids, they catalyze the hydrolysis of the two acyl ester (phospholipases A 1 and A 2 ) and the two phosphate ester bonds (phospholipase C and PLD). In biocatalysis, phospholipases have been exploited for a number of phospholipid-transforming reactions in the laboratory as well as on an industrial scale (Servi 1999, Ulbrich-Hofmann 2000. PLD has an outstanding position by its transphosphatidylation potential.…”