elongase2

Elongase2 is a gene and the enzyme it encodes, playing a role in lipid metabolism. Specifically, elongase2 is involved in the elongation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). These are fatty acids with carbon chains of 20 or more carbons. The enzyme elongase2 catalyzes the addition of two carbon units to the carboxyl end of a fatty acid chain, extending its length. This process is crucial for the synthesis of a variety of complex lipids, including sphingolipids and phospholipids, which are essential components of cell membranes.

The activity of elongase2 has been studied in various organisms, including plants and mammals. In plants, VLCFAs are important for the formation of protective cuticular waxes on the surface of leaves and fruits, which help prevent water loss and pathogen entry. In mammals, VLCFAs are involved in neuronal development and function, as well as in the production of lipoproteins. Dysregulation of elongase2 activity can lead to various metabolic disorders. For example, mutations in genes encoding elongases have been linked to conditions like X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, a peroxisomal disorder affecting the nervous system and adrenal glands. Research into elongase2 continues to shed light on its precise roles in different physiological processes and its potential as a therapeutic target.