Gene:
phospholipase A2, group IVA (cytosolic, calcium-dependent)
Gene ID:
198578
Symbol:
PLA2G4A
Species:
1000
Description:
Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2; EC 3.1.1.4) catalyzes the release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids. Arachidonic acid in turn serves as precursor for a wide spectrum of biologic effectors, collectively known as eicosanoids, that are involved in hemodynamic regulation, inflammatory responses, and other cellular processes. (Eicosanoids are lipid mediators of inflammation; they include a variety of compounds (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, hydroxy- and epoxy-fatty acids, lipoxins, and isoprostanes) that are derived from the ubiquitous 20-carbon atom arachidonate (20 in Greek is 'eicosa') and a few similar polyunsaturated fatty acids.) Dennis (1994) reviewed various types of PLA2. The best characterized is the group II PLA2 originally isolated from human synovial fluid (i.e., PLA2G2A; MIM 172411). Groups I (human pancreatic, PLA2G1B (MIM 172410); also found in cobras and kraits), II (synovial; also found in rattlesnakes and vipers), and III (forms of which were described in bee and lizard) are secreted; group IV is cytosolic.[supplied by OMIM]