Fatty acid desaturase 3 (FADS3)

Fatty acid desaturase 3 (FADS3) is a membrane-bound enzyme of the fatty acid desaturase family that regulates the unsaturation of fatty acids by introducing double bonds at specific positions within fatty acyl chains[1][2][3]. FADS3 is genetically clustered with FADS1 and FADS2 and shares significant sequence similarity, but its function is distinct and less well characterized. While FADS1 and FADS2 act as Δ5- and Δ6-desaturases, FADS3 displays tissue-specific isoforms, likely resulting from alternative splicing, and its physiological role appears multifaceted, including the modulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition, triglyceride and cholesterol plasma levels, and involvement in sphingolipid remodeling, such as the production of sphingadiene-containing ceramides[1][3]. Variants in the FADS3 gene are associated with alterations in circulating lipid profiles, suggesting a role in cardiometabolic health and lipid homeostasis. Although FADS3 is believed to function as a desaturase, its precise catalytic activity, substrates, and involvement in human disease are still being defined. Its expression and splicing regulation are tissue- and context-dependent, with evidence for diverse physiological functions distinct from the classical desaturase roles of FADS1 and FADS2[1][2][3].

Other names

Fatty acid desaturase 3FADS3CYB5RPDelta(13) desaturaseDelta(13) fatty acid desaturasedelta-9-desaturaseLLCDL3cytochrome b5-related proteinlinoleoyl-CoA desaturase (delta-9-desaturase)-like 3

null (no specific drugs targeting FADS3 are characterized in clinical or preclinical settings)