The Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) subfamily of enzymes is associated with arachidonic acid (AA) release and the subsequent increase in fatty acid turnover. This phenomenon occurs not only during apoptosis but also during inflammation and lymphocyte proliferation. In this study, we purified and characterized a novel type of iPLA2 from bovine brain. iPLA2 was purified 4,174-fold from the bovine brain by a sequential process involving DEAE-cellulose anion exchange, phenyl-5PW hydrophobic interaction, heparin-Sepharose affinity, Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration, Mono S cation exchange, Mono Q anion exchange, and Superose 12 gel filtration. A single peak of iPLA2 activity was eluted at an apparent molecular mass of 155 kDa during the final Superose 12 gel-filtration step. The purified enzyme had an isoelectric point of 5.3 on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and was inhibited by arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3), Triton X-100, iron, and Ca2+. However, it was not inhibited by bromoenol lactone (BEL), an inhibitor of iPLA2, and ade-nosine triphosphate (ATP). The spot with the iPLA2 activity did not match any known protein sequence, as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) analysis. Altogether, these data suggest that the purified enzyme is a novel form of cytosolic iPLA2.

Keywords: brain, Ca2+-independent PLA2, characterization, purification