3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase 4 (HACD4)

3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase 4 (HACD4) is an enzyme located in the endoplasmic reticulum that catalyzes the dehydration of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA intermediates into trans-2,3-enoyl-CoA, representing the third step of the four-step elongation cycle for long-chain and very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs)[1]. This process is fundamental for the production of membrane lipids and lipid mediators essential for numerous cellular functions. Mutations or dysregulation of HACD4 are associated with inherited disorders such as spinocerebellar ataxia 34 and melanoma-astrocytoma syndrome[1]. Alternative names for this enzyme include protein tyrosine phosphatase-like A domain-containing protein 2 (PTPLAD2), reflecting sequence motifs, but its main recognized function is as a fatty acid elongation enzyme[5]. HACD4 is one of four paralogs (HACD1-4) with related but distinct expression and activities in mammalian lipid metabolism[1]. Note: There are currently no direct drugs or clinical biomarkers established for HACD4, and its therapeutic targeting is experimental. Its known roles are primarily in fundamental metabolism and rare inherited disorders rather than widely targeted pharmacological modulation.

Other names

Very-long-chain (3R)-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase 4Protein tyrosine phosphatase-like A domain-containing protein 2PTPLAD2Em:AL662879.1OTTHUMG00000021016very-long-chain (3R)-3-hydroxyacyl-[acyl-carrier protein] dehydratase 4protein tyrosine phosphatase-like protein PTPLAD2

Inhibition or modulation of fatty acid elongation through enzyme inhibition (inferred; not specified for approved drugs)