Phospholipase D catalyses the hydrolysis of phospholipids (normally phosphatidyl choline) into phosphatidic acid (PA) and the polar head group (normally choline). The PA generated can be converted into second messengers such as diacylglycerol (DAG) and is also suggested to cause changes in lipid bilayer properties. Phospholipase D will additionally catalyse transphosphatidylation reactions in vitro when an alcohol is present as the nucleophilic donor. It has been shown to be part of a superfamily that includes cardiolipin synthases, phosphatidyl serine synthases, poxvirus envelope proteins and several endonucleases.
Defined by 4 residues: HIS:A-167 [auth A-170]ASP:A-199 [auth A-202]HIS:A-440 [auth A-448]ASP:A-465 [auth A-473]