Acyl Coenzyme A Wax Alcohol Acyltransferase 2 (AWAT2)

AWAT2 belonging to the diacylglycerol acyltransferase family. This enzyme produces wax esters by the esterification of long chain (or wax) alcohols with acyl-CoA-derived fatty acids. It functions in lipid metabolism in the skin, mostly in undifferentiated peripheral sebocytes. This enzyme may also have acyl-CoA:retinol acyltransferase activities, where it catalyzes the synthesis of diacylglycerols and retinyl esters.Acyltransferase that predominantly esterify long chain (wax) alcohols with acyl-CoA-derived fatty acids to produce wax esters.

Abundant in tissues rich in sebaceous glands such as the preputial gland and eyelid. Highly expressed in skin, where it is primarily restricted to undifferentiated peripheral sebocytes. Also expressed at lower level in other tissues except pancreas.