Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a glycerophospholipid, consists of a glycerol backbone connected to a phosphate head group and an acyl chain linked to sn-1 or sn-2 position. In the circulation, LPA is in sub-millimolar range and mainly derived from hydrolysis of lysophosphatidylcholine, a process mediated by lysophospholipase D activity in proteins such as autotaxin (ATX). Intracellular and extracellular LPAs act as bioactive lipid mediators with diverse functions in almost every mammalian cell type. The binding of LPA to its receptors LPA1-6 activates multiple cellular processes such as migration, proliferation and survival. The production of LPA and activation of LPA receptor signaling pathways in the events of physiology and pathophysiology have attracted the interest of researchers. Results from studies using transgenic and gene knockout animals with alterations of ATX and LPA receptors genes, have revealed the roles of LPA signaling pathways in metabolic active tissues and organs. The present review was aimed to summarize recent progresses in the studies of extracellular and intracellular LPA production pathways. This includes the functional, structural and biochemical properties of ATX and LPA receptors. The potential roles of LPA production and LPA receptor signaling pathways in obesity, insulin resistance and liver fibrosis are also discussed.
Keywords: Autotaxin; Insulin resistance; Liver fibrosis; Lysophosphatidic acid; Lysophosphatidic acid receptors; Obesity.