Alkylglycerone phosphate synthase (AGPS)

Alkylglycerone phosphate synthase (AGPS) is a peroxisomal enzyme that catalyzes a key, rate-limiting step in ether lipid (plasmalogen) biosynthesis, converting acyl-dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) to alkyl-DHAP using a long-chain alcohol. Plasmalogens are specialized membrane lipids that play vital roles in maintaining cellular structure and modulating cell signaling. AGPS supports normal cellular development and tissue function; its genetic deficiency causes severe peroxisomal disorders such as rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata type 3. In cancer, AGPS is commonly upregulated, promoting generation of oncogenic signaling lipids and thereby driving tumor cell survival, invasiveness, and chemoresistance. Experimental silencing or inhibition of AGPS reduces malignancy features and increases cancer cell sensitivity to therapies by disrupting bioactive lipid metabolism[1][3][5][7].

Other names

Alkyldihydroxyacetonephosphate synthase, peroxisomalAAG5Alkyl-DHAP synthaseADHAPSADASALDHPSYADPSADAP-SAging-associated gene 5 proteinRCDP3

Inhibitors: Block ether lipid (plasmalogen) biosynthesis, reducing levels of oncogenic lipids and impairing cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and resistance to chemotherapy[5][6].