Membrane-bound ghrelin O-acyltransferase (MBOAT4)

Membrane-bound ghrelin O-acyltransferase (MBOAT4, also known as GOAT) is an integral membrane enzyme primarily located in the endoplasmic reticulum that catalyzes the acylation of ghrelin at serine 3, using medium-chain acyl-CoA donors—most commonly octanoyl-CoA—which is essential for the biological activity of ghrelin, a peptide hormone involved in appetite regulation, energy homeostasis, and body weight control[1][5][6]. MBOAT4 belongs to the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) family and plays a critical role in peptide hormone metabolism and post-translational modification[1][2][6]. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of MBOAT4 has been investigated as a potential therapeutic approach for obesity and metabolic disorders, although no approved drugs directly targeting MBOAT4 are currently available[1][2]. Inhibition or dysfunction of this enzyme may affect metabolic balance and appetite, thus representing both a therapeutic opportunity and a safety concern in metabolism-related diseases[1][5].

Other names

Ghrelin O-acyltransferaseGOATO-acyltransferase domain-containing protein 4OACT4FKSG89

Enzyme inhibition (inhibitors prevent ghrelin acylation); Modulation of ghrelin signaling via post-translational modification