Biochemical properties and pathophysiological roles of cytosolic phospholipase A2s

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) (EC 3.1.1.4) catalyzes hydrolysis of the sn-2 ester bond of glycerophospholipids. The enzyme is essential for the production of two classes of lipid mediators, fatty acid metabolites and lysophospholipid-related lipids, as well as being involved in the remodeling of membrane phospholipids. Among many mammalian PLA2s, cytosolic PLA2α (cPLA2α) plays a critical role in various physiological and pathophysiological conditions through generating lipid mediators. Here, we summarize the in vivo significance of cPLA2α, revealed from the phenotypes of cPLA2α-null mice, and properties of newly discovered cPLA2 family enzymes. We also briefly introduce a quantitative lipidomics strategy using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, a powerful tool for the comprehensive analysis of lipid mediators.