Calcium-independent phospholipase A2 and apoptosis.
Apoptosis or programmed cell death is associated with changes in glycerophospholipid metabolism. Cells undergoing apoptosis generally release free fatty acids including arachidonic acid, which parallels the reduction in cell viability. The involvement of cytosolic group IVA phospholipase A(2)alpha (cPLA(2)alpha) in apoptosis has been the subject of numerous studies but a clear picture of the role(s) played by this enzyme is yet to emerge. More recently, the importance of lipid products generated by the action of a second phospholipase A(2), the group VIA calcium-independent phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)-VIA) in apoptosis has begun to be unveiled. Current evidence suggests that iPLA(2)-VIA-derived lysophosphatidylcholine may play a prominent role in mediating the chemoattractant and recognition/engulfment signals that accompany the process of apoptotic cell death, and gives possibility to the efficient clearance of dying cells by circulating phagocytes. Other lines of evidence suggest that perturbations in the control of free arachidonic acid levels within the cells, a process that may implicate iPLA(2)-VIA as well, may provide important cellular signals for the onset of apoptosis.
Balsinde
Jesús
J
Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Spanish Research Council and University of Valladolid School of Medicine, Calle Sanz y Forés s/n, 47003 Valladolid, Spain. jbalsinde@ibgm.uva.es
Pérez
Rebeca
R
Balboa
María A
MA
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology; D054513:Group IV Phospholipases A2; D054522:Group VI Phospholipases A2; D006801:Humans; D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines / Q000378:metabolism*; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000502:physiology; D010741:Phospholipases A / Q000378:metabolism*; D054467:Phospholipases A2; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D010741:Phospholipases A; D054513:Group IV Phospholipases A2; D054522:Group VI Phospholipases A2; C516475:PLA2G6 protein, human; D054467:Phospholipases A2