Glycerophosphate/Acylglycerophosphate Acyltransferases

• Main Authors: Atsushi Yamashita, Yasuhiro Hayashi, Naoki Matsumoto, Yoko Nemoto-Sasaki, Saori Oka, Takashi Tanikawa, Takayuki Sugiura
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2014-11-01
• Series: Biology
• Subjects: acyltransferase; acyl-CoA; triacylglycerol; phospholipid; GPAT; AGPAT
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/3/4/801

Acyl-CoA:glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) and acyl-CoA: 1-acyl-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (AGPAT) are involved in the de novo synthesis of triacylglycerol (TAG) and glycerophospholipids. Many enzymes belonging to the GPAT/AGPAT family have recently been identified and their physiological or pathophysiological roles have been proposed. The roles of GPAT/AGPAT in the synthesis of TAG and obesity-related diseases were revealed through the identification of causative genes of these diseases or analyses of genetically manipulated animals. Recent studies have suggested that some isoforms of GPAT/AGPAT family enzymes are involved in the fatty acid remodeling of phospholipids. The enzymology of GPAT/AGPAT and their physiological/ pathological roles in the metabolism of glycerolipids have been described and discussed in this review.