The PLCH2 gene encodes an enzyme belonging to the phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C family. Phospholipase enzymes are responsible for hydrolyzing phospholipids into fatty acids and other lipophilic molecules. The PLCH2 enzyme is hence required for catalyzing the synthesis of the second messenger molecules diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). The phospholipase activity of PLCH2 is highly sensitive to calcium concentration and is activated by G protein beta-1-gamma-2 dimers.
Apart from phosphatidylinositol and inositol phosphate metabolism and lipid catabolism, the enzyme also plays a role in intracellular signal transduction as the second messengers DAG and IP3 act as substrates for the synthesis of other important signaling molecules.