PLPP4

PLPP4, or phospholipid phosphatase 4, is a human gene encoding an enzyme in the lipid phosphate phosphatase (LPP) family. LPP enzymes are integral membrane proteins that hydrolyze lipid phosphates and regulate the levels of extracellular bioactive lipids such as phosphatidic acid (PA) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Through dephosphorylation, PLPP4 participates in modulating signaling pathways that depend on these lipid mediators.

PLPP4 is predicted to be a multi-pass transmembrane protein and is thought to localize to the plasma membrane as well as intracellular membranes, similar to other LPP family members.

Expression studies have detected PLPP4 transcripts in several tissues, but the precise expression pattern and regulation of PLPP4 remain to be clarified.

Functional data, largely from in vitro systems, indicate that PLPP4 can influence cellular processes tied to extracellular lipid signaling, including cell adhesion, migration, and inflammatory responses. Its roles are considered to complement those of PLPP1–PLPP3 rather than replace them.

Genetic and biochemical studies have begun to examine the physiological relevance of PLPP4 in humans, including potential links to metabolic traits, vascular biology, and disease susceptibility. However, robust, replicated associations have yet to be established, and further research is needed to define the contributions of PLPP4 to health and disease.