Plcd4, encoding phospholipase C delta 4, is involved in lipid metabolism and may participate in signal transduction pathways related to phospholipid hydrolysis. Lysophospholipids, whose metabolism can be influenced by Plcd4, are signaling molecules with non-cell-autonomous effects, affecting cancer microenvironment and immunity [1].

In various studies, Plcd4 has been associated with different biological processes and diseases. In pancreatic cancer, its expression is regulated by p53, and it shows prognostic significance [1]. In acute kidney injury after kidney transplantation, Plcd4 was identified as a hub gene, potentially serving as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker [2]. In cattle, missense mutations in Plcd4 were found to be related to novel syndromes, explaining inbreeding depression [3]. In Mule ducks, Plcd4 was involved in both male and female sterility, providing insights into avian sexual differentiation and sterility mechanisms [4]. In rats, Plcd4 gene expression in the placenta was downregulated from mid-to late-gestation in the endocannabinoid pathway [5]. In pigs, a variation in the Plcd4 gene affected feed conversion, intramuscular fat, and water exudation [6]. In mice, the absence of Zfy1 and Zfy2 led to a significant decrease in PLCD4 protein expression in spermatozoa, resulting in infertility and abnormal sperm-related phenotypes [7]. In EBV-positive Burkitt lymphomas, Plcd4 was among the genes with differential expression, suggesting its potential pathogenetic significance [8].

In conclusion, Plcd4 is involved in multiple biological processes including lipid metabolism, reproduction-related functions in different species, and may play roles in disease conditions such as cancer, kidney injury, and infertility-related syndromes. Studies using gene-knockout models in mice have provided insights into its role in spermatogenesis and reproduction, while in other species, its association with various traits and diseases has been explored, enhancing our understanding of its biological functions and potential implications in different disease areas.