This gene represents a phospholipase A2 receptor. The encoded protein likely exists as both a transmembrane form and a soluble form. The transmembrane receptor may play a role in clearance of phospholipase A2, thereby inhibiting its action. Polymorphisms at this locus have been associated with susceptibility to idiopathic membranous nephropathy. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified.[provided by RefSeq, Sep 2010]

PLA2R1: Receptor for secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). Acts as a receptor for phosholipase sPLA2-IB/PLA2G1B but not sPLA2- IIA/PLA2G2A. Also able to bind to snake PA2-like toxins. Although its precise function remains unclear, binding of sPLA2 to its receptor participates in both positive and negative regulation of sPLA2 functions as well as clearance of sPLA2. Binding of sPLA2- IB/PLA2G1B induces various effects depending on the cell type, such as activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade to induce cell proliferation, the production of lipid mediators, selective release of arachidonic acid in bone marrow- derived mast cells. In neutrophils, binding of sPLA2-IB/PLA2G1B can activate p38 MAPK to stimulate elastase release and cell adhesion. May be involved in responses in proinflammatory cytokine productions during endotoxic shock. Also has endocytic properties and rapidly internalizes sPLA2 ligands, which is particularly important for the clearance of extracellular sPLA2s to protect their potent enzymatic activities. The soluble secretory phospholipase A2 receptor form is circulating and acts as a negative regulator of sPLA2 functions by blocking the biological functions of sPLA2-IB/PLA2G1B. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Membrane protein, integral; Receptor, misc.

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 2q24.2

Cellular Component: cell surface; extracellular region; integral component of plasma membrane; plasma membrane; receptor complex

Molecular Function: carbohydrate binding; phospholipase binding; transmembrane receptor activity

Biological Process: cytokine production; positive regulation of DNA damage response, signal transduction by p53 class mediator; receptor-mediated endocytosis; signal transduction