Alkylglycerol Monooxygenase (AGMO)

Alkylglycerol monooxygenase (AGMO) cleaves the O-alkyl bonds of ether lipids, which are essential components of brain membranes and function in cell signaling and other critical biologic processes. The reaction catalyzed by AGMO is dependent on tetrahydrobiopterin, a metabolite structurally related to the vitamins folic acid and riboflavin.

The fatty acid hydroxylase motif consists of 8 conserved histidines that are predicted to bind iron atoms in a catalytic diiron center. In silico analysis suggested that expression of Tmem195 is highest in mouse liver and small intestine, consistent with elevated endogenous alkylglycerol monooxygenase activity in these tissues. Fluorescence-tagged TMEM195 localized to the endoplasmic reticulum in transfected cells.