sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase from Escherichia coli

This review attempts to capture the history of research involved in the understanding of lipid metabolism via investigation of the sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (glycerol-P acyltransferase), the first step in the synthesis of lipids in E. coli. We will review the original identification of this enzymatic activity and its subsequent characterization. The biochemical and genetic regulation of this enzyme and gene are discussed, as well as the unique structural characterization of this integral membrane protein. Future perspectives regarding the regulatory and structural aspects of this key enzyme are discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.