Acyl-CoA wax alcohol acyltransferase 1 (AWAT1)

Acyl-CoA wax alcohol acyltransferase 1 (AWAT1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the esterification of long-chain (wax) alcohols with acyl-CoA-derived fatty acids to synthesize wax esters, which are critical for lipid metabolism in the skin[1][2]. AWAT1 is predominantly expressed in sebaceous glands and is essential for the production of specific lipid classes, notably in skin sebum and the meibomian glands of the eyelids. These wax esters contribute to maintaining skin barrier function and the tear film lipid layer on the eye, helping to prevent dry eye symptoms[1][2][3]. Genetic disruption of AWAT1 alters sebum composition and, in animal models, can produce mild dry eye phenotypes due to changes in meibum lipid types[3]. AWAT1 belongs to the diacylglycerol acyltransferase enzyme family (specifically, the DGAT2 subfamily)[1][2]. There are currently no drugs known to directly target AWAT1, and it is not listed as a biomarker in clinical use. However, its central role in skin and ocular surface lipid metabolism makes it a mechanistically relevant molecule in diseases characterized by abnormal lipid secretion or skin barrier dysfunction[1][3][4].

Other names

DGAT2L3DGA2Long-chain-alcohol O-fatty-acyltransferase 1Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2-like protein 3Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2