PNPLA1 is a transacylase essential for the generation of the skin barrier lipid ω-O-acylceramide

Abstract

Loss-of-function mutations in an enzyme of unknown function, PNPLA1, cause dry and scaling skin in humans. Here Ohnoet al. show that PNPLA1 is a transacylase that acts in the final step of acylceramide production- esterification between ω-hydroxyceramide and linoleic acid acylceramide, yielding a lipid essential for skin barrier function.