GPI anchor-hydrolyzing phospholipases

Glycosilphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor-hydrolyzing phospholipases include C- and D- type phospholipases and have been described in a number of organisms including bacteria, protozoan parasites, plants, and mammals. Although these phospholipases efficiently cleave GPI structures in vitro, the physiological role of GPI hydrolysis by anchor-specific phospholipases is still unclear. In order to permit comparison of the known GPI anchor-hydrolyzing phospholipases, we studied the kinetic parameters of these enzymes and provide an overview of the currently available information