PNPLA3

PNPLA3, also known as Adpn, C22orf20, iPLA(2)epsilon, is a non-specific fatty acyl hydrolase and a non-secreted protein of the patatin-like phospholipase family. It has 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase activity, long-chain fatty acid CoA binding activity, and hemolysin phosphatidic acid binding activity. PNPLA3 primarily regulates glycerolipid metabolism, long-chain fatty acid metabolism, and dietary overconsumption responses. It is located in lipid droplets and membranes and is expressed in the left lung, olfactory epithelium, and right lung. PNPLA3 plays a significant role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is associated with coronary artery disease, various liver diseases, and type 2 diabetes. Polymorphisms in the PNPLA3 gene are related to the severity of NAFLD, and their variations may affect normal lipid metabolism and abnormal accumulation in the liver, thereby contributing to the development and progression of fatty liver disease.