Membrane-bound glycerophospholipid O-acyltransferase 2 (MBOAT2)

Membrane-bound glycerophospholipid O-acyltransferase 2 (MBOAT2) is a multi-pass transmembrane enzyme part of the MBOAT superfamily, located predominantly in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. It catalyzes the transfer of acyl groups from acyl-CoA to lysophospholipids, resulting in the production and remodeling of major cellular phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine. MBOAT2 is implicated in physiological processes including lipid biosynthesis, iron metabolism, and the regulation of ferroptosis—a form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Dysregulation or overexpression of MBOAT2 has been linked to tumor progression, particularly in pancreatic cancer and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, probably through effects on the immune microenvironment and lipid-mediated signaling. The molecule is under investigation as a prognostic biomarker and experimental therapeutic target, though no established drugs directly target MBOAT2 as of 2025. The enzyme’s activity may also affect metabolic and immune system functions, raising safety concerns for therapeutic targeting.

Other names

LPCAT4OACT2LPAATLyso-PA acyltransferaseLPCATLyso-PC acyltransferaseLyso-PC acyltransferase 4LPEATLyso-PE acyltransferaseLPLAT 2O-acyltransferase domain-containing protein 2FLJ14415FLJ90298LPLAT131-acylglycerophosphate O-acyltransferase MBOAT21-acylglycerophosphocholine O-acyltransferase MBOAT21-acylglycerophosphoethanolamine MBOAT2 O-acyltransferaseLysophosphatidic acid acyltransferaseLysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferaseLysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 4Lysophosphatidylethanolamine acyltransferaseLysophospholipid acyltransferase 2Lysophospholipid acyltransferase 13

Inhibition or modulation of acyltransferase activity, potentially affecting phospholipid composition and lipid-mediated cell death (ferroptosis) Modulation via monoclonal antibodies or miRNA