Triacylglycerol lipase (Cutibacterium acnes) (GehA)

Sebum regulation / lipase activity refers to the physiological control of sebum production and the subsequent enzymatic breakdown of these lipids, primarily by the skin commensal Cutibacterium acnes [UniProt P54950]. The bacterial enzyme Triacylglycerol lipase (GehA) plays a central role in this process by hydrolyzing neutral sebum triglycerides into pro-inflammatory free fatty acids (FFAs) [PubMed: 25431130]. These FFAs irritate the follicular epithelium and contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis [StatPearls: Acne Vulgaris]. Therapeutic strategies targeting this process include the use of antibiotics like tetracyclines to reduce bacterial load and inhibit lipase production [PubMed: 1043417], and zinc salts (e.g., Zinc PCA) to inhibit lipase activity directly [PubMed: 11556013]. Understanding this target involves balancing the skin's natural lipid barrier with the prevention of inflammatory byproducts generated by microbial metabolism.

Other names

Propionibacterium acnes lipaseGlycerol ester hydrolase ASebum lipaseLipase GehAC. acnes lipase

Inhibition of bacterial lipase enzyme activity or suppression of lipase protein synthesis to prevent the release of inflammatory free fatty acids from sebum triglycerides.