Reaction: phosphatidylcholine + a sterol = 1-acylglycerophosphocholine + a sterol ester
Other name(s): lecithin—cholesterol acyltransferase; phospholipid—cholesterol acyltransferase; LCAT (lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase); lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase; lysolecithin acyltransferase
Systematic name: phosphatidylcholine:sterol O-acyltransferase
Comments: Palmitoyl, oleoyl and linoleoyl residues can be transferred; a number of sterols, including cholesterol, can act as acceptors. The bacterial enzyme also catalyses the reactions of EC 3.1.1.4 phospholipase A2 and EC 3.1.1.5 lysophospholipase.
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, PDB, CAS registry number: 9031-14-5
References:
1. Bartlett, K., Keat, M.J. and Mercer, E.I. Biosynthesis of sterol esters in Phycomyces blakesleeanus. Phytochemistry 13 (1974) 1107-1113.
2. Buckley, J.T., Halasa, L.N. and Macintyre, S. Purification and partial characterization of a bacterial phospholipid: cholesterol acyltransferase. J. Biol. Chem. 257 (1982) 3320-3325. [PMID: 7061477]
3. Glomset, J.A.J. The plasma lecithins:cholesterol acyltransferase reaction. Lipid Res. 9 (1968) 155-167. [PMID: 4868699]
4. Vahouny, G.V. and Tradwell, C.R. Enzymatic synthesis and hydrolysis of cholesterol esters. Methods Biochem. Anal. 16 (1968) 219-272. [PMID: 4877146]