Phospholipid phosphatase 4 (PLPP4)

Phospholipid phosphatase 4 (PLPP4) is a magnesium-independent phospholipid phosphatase with broad substrate specificity, catalyzing the dephosphorylation of phospholipid signaling molecules including diacylglycerol pyrophosphate, phosphatidate, and lysophosphatidate[7][2]. It is a transmembrane enzyme involved in the synthesis, turnover, and signaling of various lipid molecules. PLPP4 is implicated in the regulation of cell signaling pathways that affect calcium ion import and cell proliferation[1][2][7]. Aberrant expression and gene fusions of PLPP4 (particularly PPAPDC1A fusions) have been associated with enhanced tumor invasion and aggressiveness, especially in lung carcinoma and diffuse gastric cancer, where it may define distinct prognostic subgroups and serve as a cancer biomarker[1]. Elevated PLPP4 expression has also been described as a biomarker in breast cancer[2]. The enzyme may represent a potential therapeutic target by modulating lipid-signaling pathways relevant to cancer and other cellular processes[1][2][7].

Other names

PPAPDC1APPAPDC1Diacylglycerol pyrophosphate phosphatase-like 2DPPL2Phosphatidic acid phosphatase type 2 domain-containing protein 1A

Modulation of phospholipid signaling pathways through dephosphorylation of diacylglycerol pyrophosphate, phosphatidate, and lysophosphatidate