Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is a ubiquitously distributed enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2 acyl bond of glycerolipids to produce lysophospholipids and release arachidonic acid. Tumor cells often serve as sources for cPLA2 alpha activity. cPLA2 alpha is synthesized in the cytosol where, upon activation, it translocates to sites containing cell membranes, including the Golgi, ER and nuclear membrane. This translocation allows for enzymatic action on membrane phospholipids, generating free arachidonic acid that is converted into proinflammatory eicosanoids.
