Long-chain fatty acid transport protein 3 (SLC27A3)

Long-chain fatty acid transport protein 3 (SLC27A3, also known as FATP3 or ACSVL3) is a membrane-bound protein that acts as both a transporter of long-chain and very long-chain fatty acids and as an acyl-CoA synthetase, catalyzing the activation of these fatty acids by ligation to CoA. SLC27A3 is highly expressed in certain developmental tissues (adrenal gland, testis, ovary, lung, and embryonic brain) as well as in some adult tissues like keratinocytes and endothelium. It is transcriptionally upregulated by VEGF-B signaling in endothelial cells, suggesting a specialized function in vascular fatty acid metabolism. Overexpression and increased activity of SLC27A3 (ACSVL3) are linked to the growth and maintenance of several cancers (notably glioblastoma and lung cancer), where it supports proliferation, cell survival, and tumor-initiating capacity. Genetic variations in SLC27A3 are also associated with susceptibility to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, likely through effects on CNS lipid metabolism[1][2][3].

Other names

Long-chain fatty acid transport protein 3SLC27A3ACSVL3FATP3VLCS-3Very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 3Fatty acid transport protein 3

Drugs targeting SLC27A3 would likely inhibit fatty acid transport or acyl-CoA synthetase activity (no approved drugs or major inhibitors currently known)