Neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1) (NCEH1)

Neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1), also known as KIAA1363 or arylacetamide deacetylase-like 1 (AADACL1), is a membrane-bound serine hydrolase that plays a pivotal role in intracellular lipid metabolism [1]. It is primarily responsible for the hydrolysis of cholesterol esters into free cholesterol and fatty acids, a critical step for cholesterol efflux from macrophages, which helps prevent the formation of foam cells and the progression of atherosclerosis [2]. Beyond its role in cardiovascular health, NCEH1 is significantly upregulated in various aggressive cancers, including breast, ovarian, and melanoma, where it regulates the production of pro-tumorigenic lipids like monoacylglycerols and lysophosphatidic acid [3]. These lipids promote cancer cell migration, invasion, and survival, making NCEH1 a potential therapeutic target in oncology [3, 4]. While no drugs targeting NCEH1 are currently approved for clinical use, small-molecule inhibitors such as JW480 have been developed as research tools to explore its therapeutic potential in treating cancer and metabolic disorders [4].

Other names

Neutral cholesterol esteraseNCEHKIAA1363Arylacetamide deacetylase-like 1AADACL1

Inhibition of serine hydrolase activity to reduce the hydrolysis of cholesterol esters and modulate pro-tumorigenic lipid signaling pathways.