Neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1)

Neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1) is a serine hydrolase enzyme anchored in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, responsible for hydrolyzing cholesterol esters to free cholesterol and fatty acid, a critical step in reverse cholesterol transport and regulation of lipid droplet content, especially in macrophages and other lipid-handling cells. NCEH1 also hydrolyzes ether lipids like 2-acetyl monoalkylglycerol ether and acts in pathways relevant to both ether lipid metabolism and detoxification of organophosphates. NCEH1 is highly expressed in some aggressive cancer cells, where it contributes to reprogramming of lipid signaling and tumor progression. In macrophages, loss of NCEH1 leads to lipid droplet accumulation and foam cell formation, accelerating atherosclerosis. Dysregulation of NCEH1 affects not only cardiovascular disease but is also implicated in metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders as well as serving as a potential marker and therapeutic target in oncology.

Other names

KIAA1363AADACL1NCEH2-acetyl MAGE hydrolaseAcetylalkylglycerol acetylhydrolaseArylacetamide deacetylase-like 1Alkylacetylglycerol acetylhydrolase

Enzyme inhibition (by organophosphates) Potential modulation of NCEH1 could influence cholesterol ester hydrolysis, lipid homeostasis, and tumor cell signaling