Acyl Coenzyme A Wax Alcohol Acyltransferase 1 (AWAT1)

AWAT1 belongs to the diacylglycerol acyltransferase family. It esterifies long chain (wax) alcohols with acyl-CoA-derived fatty acids to produce wax esters. Wax esters are enriched in sebum, suggesting that this enzyme plays a central role in lipid metabolism in skin. Consistent with this observation, this protein is predominantly expressed in the sebaceous gland of the skin.Acyltransferase that predominantly esterify long chain (wax) alcohols with acyl-CoA-derived fatty acids to produce wax esters. Predominantly expressed in skin, where it is limited to the sebaceous gland. Expressed in more mature, centrally located cells just before their rupture and sebum release. Also expressed in all tissues except spleen. Expressed at higher level in thymus, prostate and testis.