This gene encodes a secreted member of the phospholipase A2 family, and is found in a cluster of related family members on chromosome 1. Phospholipase A2 family members hydrolyze the sn-2 fatty acid ester bond of glycerophospholipids to produce lysophospholipids and free fatty acid. This gene may be involved in inflammation and immune response, and in weight loss associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2012].