Autotaxin: Its role in biology of melanoma cells and as a pharmacological target

Abstract

Autotaxin (ATX) is an extracellular lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD) released from normal cells and cancer cells. Activity of ATX is detected in various biological fluids. The lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is the main product of ATX. LPA acting through specific G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1- LPA6) affects immunological response, normal development, and malignant tumors' formation and progression. In this review, the impact of autotoxin on biology of melanoma cells and potential treatment is discussed. Copyright © 2011 Maciej Jankowski.