Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3)

Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3) is an integral membrane enzyme of the endoplasmic reticulum, belonging to the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) family[1][3]. It catalyzes the reacylation of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) (and other lysophospholipids such as lyso-PE and lyso-PS) by preferentially incorporating polyunsaturated fatty acids, most notably arachidonic acid, into the sn-2 position of membrane phospholipids, notably phosphatidylcholine (PC)[2][3]. LPCAT3 is highly expressed in the liver, intestine, and adipose tissue—key organs for systemic lipid metabolism and lipoprotein production[1][4]. It is essential for maintaining the fluidity and structural properties of cellular membranes, regulation of triglyceride and lipoprotein secretion, and modulation of metabolic and inflammatory pathways[1][2][3][4]. Genetic and biochemical studies indicate that LPCAT3 activity affects circulating atherogenic lipoproteins, insulin sensitivity, and tissue-specific lipid composition. Dysregulation of LPCAT3 has been linked to metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases[1][4][5].

Other names

MBOAT5OACT5Lyso-PC acyltransferase 3LPLAT5LPLAT12O-acyltransferase domain-containing protein 5Lysophospholipid acyltransferase 5Lyso-PS acyltransferasenessy1-acylglycerophosphocholine O-acyltransferase1-acylglycerophosphoethanolamine O-acyltransferase1-acylglycerophosphoserine O-acyltransferaseC3F

Modulators are believed to regulate levels or activity of LPCAT3, influencing incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially arachidonic acid, into membrane phospholipids and affecting downstream lipid signaling, lipoprotein assembly, and metabolic pathways[1][2][3][5].