MBOAT7

MBOAT7 or Membrane Bound O-Acyltransferase Domain Containing 7 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MBOAT7 gene. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) family and is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism.

Function

MBOAT7 is an enzyme that is part of the lipid metabolism pathway. It is involved in the transfer of fatty acids to phosphatidylinositol, a process that is crucial for the maintenance of cell membrane integrity and function. This enzyme is particularly important in the liver, where it plays a role in the regulation of lipid homeostasis and the prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Clinical significance

Alterations in the MBOAT7 gene have been associated with a variety of health conditions. Most notably, variants of this gene have been linked to an increased risk of developing NAFLD, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.

Research

Research into MBOAT7 is ongoing, with scientists seeking to better understand its role in lipid metabolism and its potential as a therapeutic target for conditions such as NAFLD and hepatocellular carcinoma.

See also

• Membrane-bound O-acyltransferase
• Lipid metabolism
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatocellular carcinoma