Researchers have been studying the transcription factor SREBP, a critical regulator of lipid biosynthesis. Precursor SREBP proteins, located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the cell, are transported through the golgi apparatus to the nucleus. Here, they promote the transcription of genes associated with lipid biosynthesis, playing a pivotal role in regulating cholesterol. SREBP-1c, a specific member of the SREBP family, is known to activate fatty acid synthesis. Interestingly, this process is inhibited by polyunsaturated fatty acids. The exact mechanism behind this regulation, however, remains to be elucidated.
The research team elucidated a novel cleavage mechanism of SREBP-1c, a protein involved in fatty acid synthesis, and confirmed its regulation by fatty acids. The cleavage of SREBP-1c occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum, with the rhomboid protease RHBDL4, located in the ER…
