Phospholipase A2 (PLA2)

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) breaks down phospholipids by hydrolyzing the sn-2 position of phospholipids to release lysophospholipids and Fatty acids

PLA2s are key in lipid mediator biosynthesis. They release Arachidonic acid (AA) from membranes. AA is a precursor for eicosanoids like prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes (LTs).
Murakami et al. 2023 Immunol Rev 317: 42-70

Most PLA2s release various Fatty acids. These include Oleic acid (OA), Linoleic Acid (LA)(brain://6Z5nV9DCp0SEV_maqNhR4w/LinoleicAcidLa), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Group IVA cPLA2α is specific for AA-containing phospholipids.
Murakami et al. 2023 Immunol Rev 317: 42-70

The mammalian genome has over 50 PLA2 enzymes. They are grouped by structure and function. Types include:

• Secreted PLA2s (sPLA2s)


• Cytosolic PLA2s (cPLA2s)


• Ca2+-independent PLA2s (iPLA2s or PNPLAs)


• Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolases (PAF-AHs)


• PLA/acyltransferases (PLAATs)


• Lysosomal PLA2s


• α/β hydrolases (ABHDs)

Murakami 2019 Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 1864(6): 763-765

In the PLA2 superfamily, secreted PLA2s (sPLA2s) in mammals include 10 catalytically active isoforms. These are IB, IIA, IIC, IID, IIE, IIF, III, V, X, and XIIA, which are encoded by Pla2g1b, Pla2g2a, Pla2g2c, Pla2g2d, Pla2g2e, Pla2g2f, Pla2g3, Pla2g5, Pla2g10, and Pla2g12a in mice, respectively. Additionally, there is one inactive isoform, XIIB, encoded by Pla2g12b.
Lambeau & Gelb 2008 Annu Rev Biochem 77: 495-520
Dennis et al. 2011 Chem Rev 111(10): 6130-6185
Murakami et al. 2011 Prog Lipid Res 50(2): 152-192
Murakami et al. 2015 J Lipid Res 56(7): 1248-1261