Lipase and Phospholipase Inhibitors: Design and Applications

Lipases are important drug discovery targets since they play central roles in signal transduction and metabolism. Many inhibitors have been isolated from natural sources and others derived through synthesis of substrate analogs or biomimetics. Because lipids are hydrophobic, there are special procedures needed for their study. This chapter covers two commonly used procedures for assay of lipases and phospholipases and how they can be adapted for the discovery and analysis of inhibitors.