ABSTRACT
Phospholipases C (PLC) impart a fundamental role in the metabolism of membrane phospholipids, and their activity produces lipid intermediates that are involved in cellular signal transduction [1,2]. Activation of this enzyme class is involved in the regulation of many cellular biochemical processes including calcium release, cell cycle control, and gene expression [2,3]. Further, the activation and/or disruption of PLC-mediated signaling occur in tumor malignancy, Alzheimer’s disease, the progression of acute myeloid leukemia, as well as many other diseases [4-6]. The numerous roles that PLC have in regulating and maintaining cellular function makes measuring the changes in their expression and activity very important. Further, knowing how these signaling mechanisms are altered during disease processes may aid in understanding disease pathology and help to identify pharmacologic targets of interest. This chapter outlines the different methods for analyzing the PLC found in mammalian tissues with an emphasis on determining their activity and expression.
