Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and endothelial differentiation gene (Edg) receptors in human pancreatic cancer.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a naturally occurring phospholipid with diverse effects on various cells, ranging from immediate morphological change to long-lasting cellular function alteration such as induction of stimulation of cell proliferation, survival, drug resistance, and motility. LPA interacts with cells through specific cell surface receptors. LPA1/Edg-2, LPA2/Edg-4, and LPA3/Edg-7 are three most common LPA receptors. Herein we review the roles of LPA and its receptors in the carcinogenesis of human malignancies, with focus on pancreatic cancer.