Phospholipases A₂ and neural membrane dynamics: implications for Alzheimer's disease

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 813-819. ABSTRACT: Phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂s) are essential enzymes in cells. They are not only responsible for maintaining the structural organization of cell membranes, but also play a pivotal role in the regulation of cell functions. Activation of PLA₂s results in the rel...

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Published in:Journal of neurochemistry 2011-03, Vol.116 (5), p.813-819
Main Authors: Lee, James C.-M, Simonyi, Agnes, Sun, Albert Y, Sun, Grace Y
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alzheimer Disease - pathology
Alzheimer's disease
Amyloid beta-Peptides - metabolism
Animals
astrocytes
Calcium - metabolism
Cell Membrane - metabolism
Humans
Inflammation - metabolism
Lipids
membrane dynamics
Membranes
Models, Biological
NADPH oxidase
Neurochemistry
neurons
Neurons - pathology
Nonlinear Dynamics
phospholipases A2
Phospholipases A2 - metabolism
Signal transduction
Signal Transduction - physiology
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Summary:J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 813-819. ABSTRACT: Phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂s) are essential enzymes in cells. They are not only responsible for maintaining the structural organization of cell membranes, but also play a pivotal role in the regulation of cell functions. Activation of PLA₂s results in the release of fatty acids and lysophospholipids, products that are lipid mediators and compounds capable of altering membrane microdomains and physical properties. Although not fully understood, recent studies have linked aberrant PLA₂ activity to oxidative signaling pathways involving NADPH oxidase that underlie the pathophysiology of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. In this paper, we review studies describing the involvement of cytosolic PLA₂ in oxidative signaling pathways leading to neuronal impairment and activation of glial cell inflammatory responses. In addition, this review also includes information on the role of cytosolic PLA₂ and exogenous secretory PLA₂ on membrane physical properties, dynamics, and membrane proteins. Unraveling the mechanisms that regulate specific types of PLA₂s and their effects on membrane dynamics are important prerequisites towards understanding their roles in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, and in the development of novel therapeutics to retard progression of the disease.
ISSN:0022-3042
1471-4159
DOI:10.1111/j.1471-4159.2010.07033.x