Phospholipase A2, Group III (PLA2G3)

PLA2G3 belongs to the family of secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2; EC 3.1.1.4) proteins. These Ca(2+)-dependent lipolytic enzymes have a conserved Ca(2+)-binding loop and a his-asp dyad in the catalytic site. Expressed in kidney, heart, liver, and skeletal muscle. Also present in placenta and peripheral blood leukocytes. Not detected in brain, colon, thymus, spleen and small intestine. In lung, expressed in bronchial epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages, but scarcely detected in alveolar epithelium, arterial walls and interstitial fibroblasts (at protein level). In joints of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, expressed in endothelial cells (at protein level). In normal heart, detected in some vessels. In myocardial tissues with acute infarction, expressed in vascular endothelial cells adjacent to cardiomyocytes and those in lesions with granulation.