Microbial lipases are widely distributed in nature and play a crucial role in hydrolyzing ester bonds in triglycerides to release free fatty acids and glycerol. While extensive research has focused on their structure, catalytic mechanisms, and biotechnological applications, several key aspects remain underexplored. In particular, their intracellular roles in lipid metabolism, subcellular localization, and regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood, despite their potential significance in cellular lipid homeostasis and metabolic adaptation. A deeper investigation into these areas could uncover novel biological functions and expand their industrial utility. In this review, we first examine the diverse origins of microbial lipases─from bacteria and fungi─and highlight their industrial applications in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels. Given that subcellular localization dictates enzyme accessibility to substrates and interaction partners, we then discuss how compartmentalization (e.g., in lipid droplets or mitochondria) influences their function in intracellular lipid metabolism. Finally, we address the regulatory mechanisms controlling lipase activity, emphasizing post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and glycosylation, which critically modulate enzymatic efficiency and stability. By integrating these perspectives, this review not only enhances the fundamental understanding of microbial lipases but also provides actionable insights for their optimization in industrial and biotechnological contexts.
Keywords: activity regulation; classification; microbial lipase; subcellular localization.