LIPA : lipase A, lysosomal acid type
Description
The LIPA (lipase A, lysosomal acid type) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 10.
The LIPA gene provides instructions for making lysosomal acid lipase, an enzyme located in lysosomes – cell compartments responsible for breaking down and recycling materials. This enzyme specifically targets fats like triglycerides and cholesteryl esters, breaking them down into their components. Cholesteryl esters are composed of cholesterol and a fatty acid, and LIPA separates these two. Triglycerides are stored fats that can be broken down into fatty acids, which are used for energy. The resulting lipids are either utilized by the body or sent to the liver for disposal.
LIPA is also known as CESD, LAL.
