Abstract
Esterification of sterols, fatty acids and other alcohols into biologically inert forms conserves lipid resources for many cellular functions. Paradoxically, the accumulation of neutral lipids such as cholesteryl ester or triglyceride, is linked to several major disease pathologies. In a remarkable example of genetic expansion, there are at least eleven acyltransferase reactions that lead to neutral lipid production. In this review, we speculate that the complexity and apparent redundancy of neutral lipid synthesis may actually hasten rather than impede the development of novel, isoform-specific, therapeutic interventions for acne, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease, and atherosclerosis.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anti-Obesity Agents / pharmacology
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Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase / metabolism*
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Diglycerides / metabolism
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Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Esterification
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Eukaryotic Cells / metabolism*
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Humans
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Hypolipidemic Agents / pharmacology
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Isoenzymes / metabolism
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Sterol O-Acyltransferase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Sterol O-Acyltransferase / metabolism*
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Sterols / metabolism
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Triglycerides / metabolism*
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Yeasts / metabolism
Substances
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Anti-Obesity Agents
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Diglycerides
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Enzyme Inhibitors
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Hypolipidemic Agents
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Isoenzymes
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Sterols
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Triglycerides
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Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase
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Sterol O-Acyltransferase