Triacylglycerols (triglycerides) (TGs) are the major storage molecules of metabolic energy and FAs in most living organisms. Excessive accumulation of TGs, however, is associated with human diseases, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and steatohepatitis. The final and the only committed step in the biosynthesis of TGs is catalyzed by acyl-CoA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) enzymes. The genes encoding two DGAT enzymes, DGAT1 and DGAT2, were identified, and the use of molecular tools, including mice deficient in either enzyme, has shed light on their functions.
DGAT1 and DGAT2 are expressed in many of the same tissues in mammals. DGAT1 is expressed ubiquitously, with the highest mRNA levels occurring in organs that make large amounts of TG, such as small intestine, liver, adipose tissue, and mammary gland. In humans, the highest mRNA levels were in the small intestine, followed by testis, adipose tissue, thymus, mammary gland, skeletal muscle, heart, spleen, pancreas, and liver (1). Although DGAT enzymes are involved in TG synthesis, they have distinct protein sequences and differ in their biochemical, cellular, and physiological functions DGAT enzymes may be useful as therapeutic targets for several human diseases including obesity, diabetes mellitus and steatohepatitits. Novus Biologicals offers an extensive selection of lipid and metabolism research tools, including highly specific DGAT1 and DGAT2 antibodies with reactivity against different species.
1. PMID: 9789033
Novus Biologicals offers DGAT reagents for your research needs including:
