ABHD3

ABHD3

Overview

ABHD3, or Alpha/Beta Hydrolase Domain Containing 3, is a protein-coding gene that plays a significant role in lipid metabolism. It is part of the alpha/beta hydrolase superfamily, which is characterized by a conserved structural fold and diverse enzymatic functions.

Function

The primary function of ABHD3 is to act as a phospholipase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes phospholipids into fatty acids and other lipophilic substances. This activity is crucial for maintaining cellular lipid homeostasis and for the generation of signaling molecules.

Structure

ABHD3 contains a characteristic alpha/beta hydrolase fold, which is a common structural motif found in a wide range of enzymes. This fold is composed of a central beta-sheet flanked by alpha-helices, providing a versatile framework for catalytic activity.

Expression

ABHD3 is expressed in various tissues throughout the body, with particularly high levels in the liver, brain, and adipose tissue. Its expression is regulated by nutritional and hormonal signals, reflecting its role in lipid metabolism.

Clinical Significance

Mutations or dysregulation of ABHD3 have been implicated in several metabolic disorders. Alterations in its activity can affect lipid signaling pathways, potentially leading to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Research

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the precise biological functions of ABHD3 and its role in disease. Studies are exploring its potential as a therapeutic target for metabolic disorders and its involvement in lipid signaling pathways.

See Also

• Lipid Metabolism
• Phospholipase
• Alpha/Beta Hydrolase Fold

External Links

• [GeneCards: ABHD3](https://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?gene=ABHD3)
• [UniProt: ABHD3](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q8WTS1)

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