Exhibits both phospholipase A1/2 and acyltransferase activities. Shows phospholipase A1 (PLA1) and A2 (PLA2) activity, catalyzing the calcium-independent release of fatty acids from the sn-1 or sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids. For most substrates, PLA1 activity is much higher than PLA2 activity. Shows O-acyltransferase activity,catalyzing the transfer of a fatty acyl group from glycerophospholipid to the hydroxyl group of lysophospholipid. Shows N-acyltransferase activity, catalyzing the calcium-independent transfer of a fatty acyl group at the sn-1 position of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and other glycerophospholipids to the primary amine of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), forming N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE), which serves as precursor for N-acylethanolamines (NAEs). Exhibits high N-acyltransferase activity and low phospholipase A1/2 activity. Required for complete organelle rupture and degradation that occur during eye lens terminal differentiation, when fiber cells that compose the lens degrade all membrane-bound organelles in order to provide lens with transparency to allow the passage of light. Organelle membrane degradation is probably catalyzed by the phospholipase activity.; (Microbial infection) Acts as a host factor for picornaviruses: required during early infection to promote viral genome release into the cytoplasm. May act as a cellular sensor of membrane damage at sites of virus entry, which relocalizes to sites of membrane rupture upon virus unfection. Facilitates safe passage of the RNA away from LGALS8, enabling viral genome translation by host ribosome. May also be involved in initiating pore formation, increasing pore size or in maintaining pores for genome delivery. The lipid-modifying enzyme activity is required for this process.
