Abhydrolase domain-containing protein 4, N-acyl phospholipase B (ABHD4)

Abhydrolase domain-containing protein 4 (ABHD4) is a serine hydrolase enzyme that acts as a selective lysophospholipase for N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE), highly expressed in developing brain, and is a principal regulator of N-acyl phospholipid metabolism and endocannabinoid biosynthesis[1][2][3][4]. Through its enzymatic activity, ABHD4 contributes to the production of lipid signaling molecules such as anandamide and may regulate cell death processes during neurodevelopment, including a specific form of apoptosis (developmental anoikis) triggered by disruption of cell–cell adhesion in neural progenitors[2][4]. Disease associations include roles in rare lipid storage diseases and potential relevance to neurological disorders and inflammation, although drug interactions and clinical biomarkers have not been established[1][2][4].

Other names

(Lyso)-N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine lipaseABHD4FLJ12816Alpha/beta hydrolase domain-containing protein 4Alpha/beta-hydrolase 4lyso-N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine lipaseprotein ABHD4

Hydrolysis of N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) to generate glycerophospho-N-acyl ethanolamine (GP-NAE), a precursor to biologically active N-acylethanolamines like anandamide