Phospholipase A2-eta (PNPLA4) in Neurotransmitter Release and Cell Signaling, A Potential Drug Target

Target Name: PNPLA4

NCBI ID: G8228

Phospholipase A2-eta (PNPLA4) in Neurotransmitter Release and Cell Signaling, A Potential Drug Target

Phospholipase A2-eta (PNPLA4) is a protein that is expressed in various cell types, including neurons, endothelial cells, and liver cells. It is a calcium-independent phospholipase that is involved in the process of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which is a critical enzyme in the phosphatidylcholine signaling pathway. This pathway is involved in the regulation of various cellular processes, including cell signaling, neurotransmitter release, and cell survival.

PNPLA4 is a 21-kDa protein that consists of 125 amino acid residues. It has a catalytic active site at its amino terminal region, which allows it to catalyze the hydrolysis of phospholipids. The N-terminus of PNPLA4 contains a region of 12 amino acids that is involved in its stability and interactions with other proteins. The C-terminus of PNPLA4 contains a region of 45 amino acids that is involved in its catalytic activity.

PNPLA4 is regulated by various factors, including calcium ions, pH, and inhibitors. For example, increased levels of calcium ions have been shown to inhibit the activity of PNPLA4 by binding to its active site. Similarly, changes in pH can also affect PNPLA4's activity.

PNPLA4 has been shown to play a role in various cellular processes. For example, it has been shown to be involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release, including the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) in the central nervous system. PNPLA4 has also been shown to be involved in the regulation of cell signaling, including the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation.

In addition to its role in cellular signaling, PNPLA4 has also been shown to be a potential drug target. Several studies have shown that PNPLA4 is a good candidate for inhibition due to its involvement in various cellular processes that are important for cancer progression. For example , PNPLA4 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, which is the process by which new blood vessels are formed in tumors.

In conclusion, PNPLA4 is a protein that is involved in various cellular processes, including the regulation of neurotransmitter release and cell signaling. It is also a potential drug target due to its involvement in cancer progression. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of PNPLA4 in cellular processes and its potential as a drug target.

Protein Name: Patatin Like Phospholipase Domain Containing 4

Functions: Has abundant triacylglycerol lipase activity (PubMed:15364929, PubMed:16150821, PubMed:17603008). Transfers fatty acid from triglyceride to retinol, hydrolyzes retinylesters, and generates 1,3-diacylglycerol from triglycerides (PubMed:17603008). Additionally possesses acylglycerol transacylase and phospholipase A2 activities (PubMed:15364929, PubMed:17603008)

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