This volume on Phospholipases, the first of its kind, presents techniques for the assay, purification, and characterization of these enzymes, which are not only degradative enzymes of lipid metabolism but are also key enzymes in the signal transduction pathway.

This volume provides up-to-date information on the purification and characterization of the enzymes involved in phospholipid biosynthesis and on the mechanisms utilized by cells for the transfer of phospholipids. It also includes protocols for generating phospholipid biosynthetic mutants.

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. More than 270 volumes have been published (all of them still in print) and much of the material is relevant even today-truly an essential publication for researchersin all fields of life sciences.

This volume in the Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology Series is dedicated to developing an overall view of the "state-of- the-art" of knowledge in the field of phospholipase A2 and to exploring the role and function of this enzyme in various inflammatory diseases. This book grew out of two major symposia on phospholipase A2 held in 1989: I). "Phospholipase A2: Pathophysiological Role of Soluble and Membrane-Bound Enzymes" organized by Dr. Doug Morgan and Dr. Ann Welton of Hoffmann-La Roche and sponsored by the New York Academy of Sciences (January 24, 1989). II). "Release and...