A PLA1-2 punch regulates the Golgi complex

The mammalian Golgi complex, trans Golgi network (TGN) and ER–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) are comprised of membrane cisternae, coated vesicles and membrane tubules, all of which contribute to membrane trafficking and maintenance of their unique architectures. Recently, a new cast of players was discovered to regulate the Golgi and ERGIC: four unrelated cytoplasmic phospholipase A (PLA) enzymes, cPLA2α (GIVA cPLA2), PAFAH Ib (GVIII PLA2), iPLA2-β (GVIA-2 iPLA2) and iPLA1γ. These ubiquitously expressed enzymes regulate membrane trafficking from specific Golgi subcompartments, although there is evidence for some functional redundancy between PAFAH Ib and cPLA2α. Three of these enzymes, PAFAH Ib, cPLA2α and iPLA2-β, exert effects on Golgi structure and function by inducing the formation of membrane tubules. We review our current understanding of how PLA enzymes regulate Golgi and ERGIC morphology and function.