Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (MGAT2)

Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 is a key metabolic enzyme primarily expressed in the small intestine and, to a lesser extent, the liver and kidney. It catalyzes the conversion of monoacylglycerol and acyl-CoA into diacylglycerol, a precursor for triacylglycerol synthesis, facilitating dietary fat absorption and lipoprotein assembly. MGAT2 forms homotetrameric complexes and can interact with other enzymes like DGAT1 to boost lipogenesis. Its inhibition leads to reduced triglyceride synthesis, making it a promising target in the treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and NASH. However, modulating its activity can present safety challenges, particularly around nutrient absorption and GI tolerability. MGAT2 is distinct from MGAT1 and MGAT3 in tissue distribution and physiological function.

Other names

2-acylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2Acyl-CoA:monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2MOGAT2Monoacylglycerol transferase 2

Competitive or allosteric inhibition of MGAT2, blocking conversion of monoacylglycerol to diacylglycerol, thus reducing triglyceride synthesis and fat absorption. Pathway modulation leads to decreased serum triglycerides and fat storage