Phospholipase A2 structure/function, mechanism, and signaling

Tremendous advances in understanding the structure and function of the superfamily of Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) Enzymes has occurred in the twenty-first century. The superfamily includes 15 groups comprising four main types including the secreted sPLA2, cytosolic cPLA2, calcium-independent iPLA2, and platelet activating factor (PAF) acetyl hydrolase/oxidized lipid lipoprotein associated (Lp)PLA2. We review herein our current understanding of the structure and interaction with substrate Phospholipids, which resides in membranes for a representative of each of these main types of PLA2. We will also briefly review the development of inhibitors of these Enzymes and their roles in lipid signaling.