Molecular identification of microsomal acyl-CoA:glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, a key enzyme in de novo triacylglycerol synthesis.

ABSTRACT: Acyl-CoA:glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) catalyzes the first step during de novo synthesis of triacylglycerol. It has been well recognized that mammals possess multiple enzymatically distinct proteins with GPAT activity. Although the mitochondrial-associated GPAT has been cloned and extensively characterized, the molecular identity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated GPAT, which accounts for the majority of total GPAT activity in most tissues, has remained elusive. Here we report the identification of genes encoding human and mouse ER-associated GPAT (termed GPAT3). GPAT3 is a member of the acyltransferase family predominantly expressed in tissues characterized by active lipid metabolism, such as adipose tissue, small intestine, kidney, and heart. Ectopic expression of

SUBMITTER: Cao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1702318 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature