Diverse roles of LPA signaling in the intestinal epithelium

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lipid mediator that modulates a wide variety of cellular functions. Elevated LPA signaling has been reported in patients with colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases, and the tumorigenic role of LPA has been demonstrated in experimental models of colon cancer. However, emerging evidence indicates the importance of LPA signaling in epithelial wound healing and regulation of intestinal electrolyte transport. Here, we briefly review current knowledge of the biological roles of LPA signaling in the intestinal tract.