Group IV Cytosolic Phospholipase A2(Pla2) Function:Insights from the Knockout Mouse

The phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) comprise a growing enzyme superfamily1. PLA2s hydrolyze ester linked acyl groups at thesn-2position of membrane phospholipids. This activity liberates free fatty acid and lysophospholipid. In eukaryotic cells thesn-2position of membrane phospholipids is enriched with arachidonic acid and therefore the PLA2s are considered to be the first step in the regulated production of the eicosanoids. While eicosanoid production is of major importance in normal and pathological states the functions of individual PLA2s in normal and pathophysiological states is not known.