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. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:685–691. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.