In: Cellular and Molecular Biology of Normal and Abnormal Erythroid Membranes, 1990; 315-332. Alan R. Liss. Inc.
The signal-induced turnover of inositol phospholipids involves specific phospholipase C in different tissues. Here, we described a developmentally regulated phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C of malaria parasites. The enzyme is a membrane-bound, calcium independent phospholipase C and as such resembles the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipases C purified from rat liver plasma membranes and Trypanosoma brucei parasites. We also described the regulation by the malaria phospholipase C of a second parasite enzyme, a membrane-bound serine protease. Finally, we discuss the possible rote of phospholipase C in the generation of second messengers and how these might be involved in the invasion of erythrocytes by malaria merozoites.