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Autotaxin and chronic inflammatory diseases
Christiana Magkrioti1, Apostolos Galaris1, Paraskevi Kanellopoulou1
1Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, 16672, Athens, Greece.
Autotaxin (ATX) is an enzyme crucial for embryonic development and metabolic homeostasis. Its role in producing lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) implicates it in chronic inflammatory diseases, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Autotaxin (ATX) is a secreted enzyme found in bodily fluids.
- It catalyzes the conversion of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA).
- LPA is a signaling phospholipid with diverse effects mediated by G-protein-coupled receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the functions of ATX and its product LPA.
- To investigate the role of ATX in embryonic development and adult metabolic disorders.
- To understand ATX/LPA involvement in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ATX and LPA.
- Analysis of genetic and pharmacological studies in animal models.
- Observation of ATX and LPA levels in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.
Main Results:
- ATX deficiency causes embryonic lethality with vascular and neuronal defects.
- ATX is implicated in diet-induced obesity and glucose homeostasis.
- Elevated ATX/LPA levels are observed in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, liver disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusions:
- ATX-mediated LPA production is vital for development and metabolic health.
- ATX and LPA signaling play a significant role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases.
- Targeting ATX offers a potential therapeutic strategy for conditions like IPF.
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