Ghrelin O-acyltransferase also known as membrane bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 4 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MBOAT4 gene.
It is homologous to other membrane-bound O-acyltransferases. It is a polytopic membrane protein what takes part in lipid signaling reactions. It is the only known enzyme that catalyzes the acylation of ghrelin through the transfer of n-octanoic acid to ghrelin Ser3. Ghrelin O-acyltransferase function is essential in regulation of appetite and the release of growth hormone. Ghrelin O-acyltransferase is a target for scientific research due to promising applications in the treatment of diabetes, eating disorders, and metabolic diseases.
Consistent with its function relative to ghrelin, ghrelin O-acyltransferase can be found in all vertebrates, including mammals, birds, and fish species. The enzyme is primarily expressed in the stomach and the gastrointestinal system. Other sites where ghrelin O-acyltransferase can be found include tissue from the brain, the pancreas, the pituitary gland, and certain forms of cancer.
