Lipase N (LIPN)

LIPN belongs to the AB hydrolase superfamily. Lipase family. Exclusively expressed in the epidermis within the granular keratinocytes. Plays a highly specific role in the last step of keratinocyte differentiation. May have an essential function in lipid metabolism of the most differentiated epidermal layers.

A lipase is a water-soluble enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ester chemical bonds in water-insoluble lipid substrates. Lipases are a subclass of the esterases. Lipases perform essential roles in the digestion, transport and processing of dietary lipids in most, if not all, living organisms. Genes encoding lipases are even present in certain viruses. Most lipases act at a specific position on the glycerol backbone of lipid substrate (A₁, A₂ or A₃).