Lipases are involved in diverse biological processes which range from routine metabolism of
dietary triglycerides to
cell signaling and
inflammation. Thus, some lipase activities are confined to specific compartments within
cells while others work in extracellular spaces. • In the example of
lysosomal lipase, the enzyme is confined within an
organelle called the
lysosome. • Other lipase enzymes, such as
pancreatic lipases, are secreted into
extracellular spaces where they serve to process dietary lipids into more simple forms that can be more easily absorbed and transported throughout the body. • Fungi and bacteria may secrete lipases to facilitate nutrient absorption from the external medium (or in examples of pathogenic microbes, to promote invasion of a new host). • Certain wasp and bee venoms contain
phospholipases that enhance the effects of injury and inflammation delivered by a sting. • As
biological membranes are integral to living cells and are largely composed of
phospholipids, lipases play important roles in
cell biology. •
Malassezia globosa, a fungus thought to be the cause of human
dandruff, uses lipase to break down
sebum into
oleic acid and increase skin cell production, causing dandruff.
Genes encoding lipases are even present in certain
viruses. Some lipases are expressed and secreted by pathogenic organisms during an
infection. In particular,
Candida albicans has many lipases, possibly reflecting broad-
lipolytic activity, which may contribute to the persistence and virulence of
C. albicans in human tissue.
Human lipases Other lipases include , , , , , , , , , and . ==Uses==