ELOVL4: Condensing enzyme that elongates saturated and monounsaturated very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). Elongates C24:0 and C26:0 acyl-CoAs. Seems to represent a photoreceptor- specific component of the fatty acid elongation system residing on the endoplasmic reticulum. May be implicated in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) biosynthesis, which requires dietary consumption of the essential alpha-linolenic acid and a subsequent series of three elongation steps. May play a critical role in early brain and skin development. Defects in ELOVL4 are the cause of Stargardt disease type 3 (STGD3). STGD is one of the most frequent causes of macular degeneration in childhood. It is characterized by macular dystrophy with juvenile-onset, rapidly progressive course, alterations of the peripheral retina, and subretinal deposition of lipofuscin-like material. STGD3 inheritance is autosomal dominant. Defects in ELOVL4 are the cause of ichthyosis, spastic quadriplegia, and mental retardation (ISQMR). A severe autosomal recessive disorder characterized by ichthyosis apparent from birth, profound psychomotor retardation with essentially no development, spastic quadriplegia, and seizures. Belongs to the ELO family.
Protein type: Cancer Testis Antigen (CTA); Membrane protein, multi-pass; EC 2.3.1.199; Endoplasmic reticulum; Membrane protein, integral
Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 6q14
Cellular Component: endoplasmic reticulum; integral to endoplasmic reticulum membrane
Molecular Function: transferase activity; protein binding; G-protein coupled photoreceptor activity
Biological Process: very-long-chain fatty acid biosynthetic process; triacylglycerol biosynthetic process; fatty acid elongation, saturated fatty acid; cellular lipid metabolic process; fatty acid biosynthetic process; detection of visible light
Disease: Spinocerebellar Ataxia 34
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