The Lipase gene family belongs to one of the most robust genetic superfamilies found in living organisms, which includes esterases and thioesterases. Lipase gene products are related by tertiary structure rather than primary amino acid sequence. Members of the AB hydrolase subfamily include hepatic lipase (HL), endothelial lipase (EL), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and pancreatic lipase (PL). HL balances the composition and transport of lipoproteins in human plasma. Synthesized in endothelial cells, EL hydrolyzes high density lipoproteins. LPL, a homodimer attached to the membrane by a GPI-anchor, mediates the hydrolysis of triglycerides of very low density lipoproteins and circulating chylomicrons. Defects in LPL may cause chylomicronemia syndrome or a form of lipoprotein lipase deficiency characterized by hypertriglyceridemia.
