PLA2G2A (phospholipase A2, group IIA (platelets, synovial fluid))

Description Background: The phospholipase A2 (PLA2s) superfamily, consisting of at least 34 members subdivided into at least 15 groups, is a group of intracellular and secreted enzymes that hydrolyzes the sn-2 ester bond in glycerophospholipids found in lipoproteins and cellular membranes to liberate fatty acids and lysophospholipids that can act as intracellular second messengers or are further metabolized into mediators of a variety of cellular processes such as inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis and atherogenesis. PLA2s are a diverse family of enzymes in terms of sequence, localization, function, and divalent cation requirements. PLA2s are classified into several groups based on their size, structure, and need for divalent cations. Groups I, II, and III all contain secreted forms of PLA2, which are extracellular enzymes that have a low molecular mass of ~14 kD and require calcium ions for catalysis. PLA2G2A belongs to the subfamily of group II sPLA2s, comprising PLA2 group IIA, PLA2 group IIC, PLA2 group IID, PLA2 group IIE, PLA2 group IIF, and PLA2 group V. All of these enzymes are encoded by a cluster of highly homologous genes located within a ~250 kb genomic segment on human chromosome 1p35, and on its homologous region on mouse distal chromosome 4.