This research project is to study and compare the substrate specificity and structural relatedness of the calcium-dependent and calcium-independent PLA2 isoenzymes from human placenta. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2- acyl position of phospholipids. The free fatty acid that is released upon hydrolysis is metabolized into various biological agents. The P.I. has been able to purify and partially characterize fine PLA2 isoenzymes from human placenta. This research will also examine the effect of selected inhibitors on the phospholipases. It will also aim to better characterize the phospholipase isoforms.
