Meibomian gland lipid synthesis

Meibomian gland lipid synthesis refers to the multi-step enzymatic process occurring in meibomian glands—specialized sebaceous glands lining the eyelids—which produces meibum lipids, including wax esters, cholesteryl esters, and ω-hydroxy fatty acids[1][2][3][4]. These lipids form the tear film's outermost layer, preventing evaporation and supporting ocular surface health. Key enzymes in these pathways include acyl-CoA wax alcohol acyltransferases (AWAT1, AWAT2), sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1), fatty acid ω-hydroxylase (CYP4F39), and elongation of very long chain fatty acids proteins (ELOVL1, ELOVL3, ELOVL4)[1][2]. Deficiency or dysfunction in these enzymes alters meibum composition and is associated with dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction[1][2]. The process is regulated by meibocyte differentiation, maturation, and release, and is currently a subject of research for identifying potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for disease severity in ocular surface disorders[2].

Other names

MeibogenesisMeibomian lipid biosynthesisMG lipid synthesis

Not applicable to the process itself; for individual enzyme targets, mechanisms include inhibition or modulation of enzymatic activity (e.g., wax ester synthase inhibition, fatty acid hydroxylase inhibition).