[1][2][3][4] LPA acts as a potent mitogen due to its activation of three high-affinity G-protein-coupled receptors called LPAR1, LPAR2, and LPAR3 (also known as EDG2, EDG4, and EDG7).

Because of its ability to stimulate cell proliferation, aberrant LPA-signaling has been linked to cancer in numerous ways.

[5] LPA may be the cause of pruritus (itching) in individuals with cholestatic (impaired bile flow) diseases.

This can lead to the formation of stress fibers and cell migration through the inhibition of myosin light-chain phosphatase.

There are a number of potential routes to its biosynthesis, but the most well-characterized is by the action of a lysophospholipase D called autotaxin, which removes the choline group from lysophosphatidylcholine.