This gene encodes a protein that belongs to the secreted phospholipase A2 family, whose members include the bee venom enzyme. The encoded enzyme functions in lipid metabolism and catalyzes the calcium-dependent hydrolysis of the sn-2 acyl bond of phospholipids to release arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids. This enzyme acts as a negative regulator of ciliogenesis, and may play a role in cancer development by stimulating tumor cell growth and angiogenesis. This gene is associated with oxidative stress, and polymorphisms in this gene are linked to risk for Alzheimer's disease. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2014]