Lysophosphatidic acid receptor signaling pathway (LPA signaling pathway)

The lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling pathway refers to a group of extracellular signaling events mediated principally through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) known as LPA receptors (LPA1–6), upon binding the bioactive lipid lysophosphatidic acid. This pathway regulates a wide range of biological functions, including cellular survival, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and adhesion, impacting diverse physiological processes such as nervous system development, vasculature formation, immune regulation, and tissue repair. LPA signaling has been implicated in several pathological processes, including cancer progression, fibrosis, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease. Drug candidates target this pathway by modulating receptor activity (agonists and antagonists) or by inhibiting LPA production, notably via autotaxin inhibition. Pathway targeting is challenged by pathway complexity, receptor subtype redundancy, and pleiotropy, making it difficult to fully separate beneficial from adverse effects.

Other names

LPA pathwayLPA receptor signalinglysophosphatidic acid signalingLPA signaling

LPA receptor antagonism, LPA receptor agonism, Enzyme inhibition (e.g., autotaxin inhibitors)