How Does Lecithin-Cholesterol Acyltransferase (LCAT) Function?
Lecithin-Cholesterol Acyltransferase (LCAT) is an enzyme associated with HDL particles. It catalyzes the transfer of a fatty acid from lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) to free cholesterol, forming cholesteryl esters and lysolecithin. This reaction is vital for HDL's role in reverse cholesterol transport, where cholesterol is transported from peripheral tissues back to the liver for excretion. LCAT's activity depends on the presence of apolipoprotein A-I, which activates the enzyme.
