Membrane fusion induced by phospholipase C and sphingomyelinases

In the past decade lipid vesicle fusion induced by either bacterial PC-preferring phospholipase C, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, sphingomyelinase, or a combination of phospholipase C and sphingomyelinase has been demonstrated. In the present paper, the experimental evidence is reviewed, and discussed in terms of the underlying molecular mechanisms of fusion, and of the possible physiological relevance of these findings.