PMID: 10319815 , Related PDB id: 1CJY

Authors:

Dessen A, Tang J, Schmidt H, Stahl M, Clark JD, Seehra J, Somers WS

Title:

Crystal structure of human cytosolic phospholipase A2 reveals a novel topology and catalytic mechanism.

Journal:

Cell. 1999 Apr 30;97(3):349-60.

Abstract:

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 initiates the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and platelet-activating factor (PAF), mediators of the pathophysiology of asthma and arthritis. Here, we report the X-ray crystal structure of human cPLA2 at 2.5 A. cPLA2 consists of an N-terminal calcium-dependent lipid-binding/C2 domain and a catalytic unit whose topology is distinct from that of other lipases. An unusual Ser-Asp dyad located in a deep cleft at the center of a predominantly hydrophobic funnel selectively cleaves arachidonyl phospholipids. The structure reveals a flexible lid that must move to allow substrate access to the active site, thus explaining the interfacial activation of this important lipase.