This gene encodes a secreted member of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) class of enzymes, which is produced by the pancreatic acinar cells. The encoded calcium-dependent enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2 position of membrane glycerophospholipids to release arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophospholipids. AA is subsequently converted by downstream metabolic enzymes to several bioactive lipophilic compounds (eicosanoids), including prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes (LTs). The enzyme may be involved in several physiological processes including cell contraction, cell proliferation and pathological response. PLA2G1B (Phospholipase A2 Group IB) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with PLA2G1B include Distal Hereditary Motor Neuropathy, Type Ii. Among its related pathways are Linoleic acid metabolism and Vascular smooth muscle contraction. GO annotations related to this gene include calcium ion binding and phospholipase A2 activity. An important paralog of this gene is PLA2G2D.