The function of Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000100078 (PLA2G3, phospholipase A2 group III) is as follows. Secretory calcium-dependent phospholipase A2 that primarily targets extracellular phospholipids. Hydrolyzes the ester bond of the fatty acyl group attached at sn-2 position of phospholipids without apparent head group selectivity (PubMed:12522102, PubMed:15863501, PubMed:18801741, PubMed:28947740). Contributes to phospholipid remodeling of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles. Hydrolyzes LDL phospholipids releasing unsaturated fatty acids that regulate macrophage differentiation toward foam cells (PubMed:18801741). May act in an autocrine and paracrine manner (PubMed:23624557). Secreted by immature mast cells, acts on nearby fibroblasts upstream to PTDGS to synthesize prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), which in turn promotes mast cell maturation and degranulation via PTGDR (PubMed:23624557). Secreted by epididymal epithelium, acts on immature sperm cells within the duct, modulating the degree of unsaturation of the fatty acyl components of phosphatidylcholines required for acrosome assembly and sperm cell motility. Facilitates the replacement of fatty acyl chains in phosphatidylcholines in sperm membranes from omega-6 and omega-9 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Coupled to lipoxygenase pathway, may process omega-6 PUFAs to generate oxygenated lipid mediators in the male reproductive tract (By similarity). At pericentrosomal preciliary compartment, negatively regulates ciliogenesis likely by regulating endocytotic recycling of ciliary membrane protein (PubMed:20393563). Coupled to cyclooxygenase pathway provides arachidonate to generate prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a potent immunomodulatory lipid in inflammation and tumorigenesis (PubMed:12522102, PubMed:15863501). At colonic epithelial barrier, preferentially hydrolyzes phospholipids having arachidonate and docosahexaenoate at sn-2 position, contributing to the generation of oxygenated metabolites involved in colonic stem cell homeostasis (PubMed:28947740). Releases C16:0 and C18:0 lysophosphatidylcholine subclasses from neuron plasma membranes and promotes neurite outgrowth and neuron survival (PubMed:17868035). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q8BZT7, ECO:0000269|PubMed:12522102, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15863501, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17868035, ECO:0000269|PubMed:18801741, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20393563, ECO:0000269|PubMed:23624557, ECO:0000269|PubMed:28947740}.