Role of lysophosphatidic acid and its receptors in health and disease: novel therapeutic strategies

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is an abundant bioactive phospholipid, with multiple functions both in development and in pathological conditions. Here, we review the literature about the differential signaling of LPA through its specific receptors, which makes this lipid a versatile signaling molecule. This differential signaling is important for understanding how this molecule can have such diverse effects during central nervous system development and angiogenesis; and also, how it can act as a powerful mediator of pathological conditions, such as neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer progression. Ultimately, we review the preclinical and clinical uses of Autotaxin, LPA, and its receptors as therapeutic targets, approaching the most recent data of promising molecules modulating both LPA production and signaling. This review aims to summarize the most update knowledge about the mechanisms of LPA production and signaling in order to understand its biological functions in the central nervous system both in health and disease.

Automated summary

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a versatile bioactive phospholipid that can signal through specific receptors to have diverse effects in central nervous system development and angiogenesis, as well as acting as a potent mediator in neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer progression. Understanding the production and signaling mechanisms of LPA is crucial for comprehending its biological functions in the central nervous system in both health and disease states.