The emerging role of group VI calcium-independent phospholipase A2 in releasing docosahexaenoic acid from brain phospholipids

J Lipid Res. 2008 May;49(5):939-44. doi: 10.1194/jlr.R700017-JLR200. Epub 2008 Feb 5.

Abstract

Brain phospholipids are highly enriched in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). Recent advances indicate that 22:6n-3 is released from brain phospholipids via the action of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in response to several stimuli, including neurotransmission, where it then acts as a secondary messenger. Furthermore, it is now known that released 22:6n-3 is a substrate for several oxygenation enzymes whose products are potent signaling molecules. One emerging candidate PLA2 involved in the release of 22:6n-3 from brain phospholipids is the group VI calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2). After a brief review of brain 22:6n-3 metabolism, cell culture and rodent studies facilitating the hypothesis that group VI iPLA2 releases 22:6n-3 from brain phospholipids are discussed. The identification of PLA2s involved in cleaving 22:6n-3 from brain phospholipids could lead to the development of novel therapeutics for brain disorders in which 22:6n-3 signaling is disordered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain / enzymology
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Calcium / physiology
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / metabolism*
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / biosynthesis
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mammals
  • Phospholipases A2 / blood
  • Phospholipases A2 / classification
  • Phospholipases A2 / metabolism*
  • Phospholipids / metabolism*
  • Second Messenger Systems / physiology

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Phospholipids
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Phospholipases A2
  • Calcium