Abhydrolase domain-containing protein 15 (ABHD15)

Abhydrolase domain-containing protein 15 (ABHD15) is a member of the α/β-hydrolase superfamily, predominantly expressed in adipose tissue and essential for proper adipocyte differentiation and survival[1]. Unlike typical hydrolases, ABHD15 likely lacks catalytic hydrolytic activity but plays a key regulatory role: it stabilizes phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B), an enzyme crucial for insulin-mediated suppression of lipolysis in adipocytes[2]. ABHD15 expression is controlled by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), increases during adipogenesis, and is downregulated in metabolic stress states such as high-fat diet, fasting, aging, and genetically-induced obesity[1][2]. Knockdown or genetic ablation of ABHD15 impairs adipogenesis, leads to increased adipocyte apoptosis, and results in insulin resistance due to persistent lipolysis[1][2]. ABHD15 is emerging as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker in the context of obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders[2][3].

Other names

Protein ABHD15UNQ6510/PRO21435Alpha/beta hydrolase domain-containing protein 15abhydrolase domain-containing protein 15

Insulin pathway modulation (ABHD15 is necessary for insulin-mediated inhibition of lipolysis in adipocytes through stabilizing PDE3B and suppressing cAMP levels); PPARγ pathway activation (expression increases in response to PPARγ agonists like rosiglitazone)