PLAAT2 Gene - Phospholipase A and Acyltransferase 2 | Function, Mutations & Disease

PLAAT2 (phospholipase A and acyltransferase 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11q12.3. It encodes an enzyme with both phospholipase A1/A2 and acyltransferase activities, involved in phospholipid metabolism and membrane remodeling. The protein is also known as HRASLS2 due to its homology to the H-REV107 tumor suppressor family. PLAAT2 is expressed in various tissues and has been implicated in cellular processes such as lipid droplet formation, autophagy, and potentially tumor suppression. Mutations and altered expression have been reported in certain cancers and neurological conditions.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Phospholipid metabolism (Reactome: R-HSA-1483206)

• Glycerophospholipid biosynthesis (Reactome: R-HSA-1483257)

PLAAT2 is a 164-amino acid protein with a molecular mass of approximately 18.5 kDa. It contains a conserved HxxxD motif characteristic of the phospholipase A/acyltransferase family. The enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of phospholipids at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions, generating lysophospholipids and free fatty acids, and also exhibits acyltransferase activity that transfers fatty acids to lysophospholipids. The protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets, suggesting roles in lipid metabolism and membrane dynamics. Structural studies indicate a compact alpha/beta fold with a catalytic triad (Ser, His, Asp).