PLA2G16: Proteins and Enzymes

Secretory phopholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes cleave an acyl ester bond in the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids. These extracellular proteins have a high disulfide bond content, low molecular mass (14 kDa), and require mM levels of Ca2+ for catalysis. They play a crucial role in the generation of arachidonates and eicosanoids, and have a number of biological actions including immunological responses, inflammation, cellular proliferation, vasoconstriction, and bronchioconstriction.