Monoacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (MGAT1) localizes to the ER and lipid droplets promoting triacylglycerol synthesis

Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (MGAT) is a microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of diacylglycerol (DAG) and triacylglycerol (TAG). However, the subcellular localization and catalytic function domain of this enzyme is poorly understood. In this report, we identified that murine MGAT1 localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) under normal conditions, whereas MGAT1 co-localize to the lipid droplets (LD) under conditions of enriching fatty acids, contributing to TAG synthesis and LD expansion. For the enzyme activity, both the N-terminal transmembrane domain and catalytic HPHG motif are required. We also show that the transmembrane domain of MGAT1 consists of two hydrophobic regions in the N-terminus, and the consensus sequence FLXLXXXn, a putative neutral lipid-binding domain, exists in the first transmembrane domain. Finally, MGAT1 interacts with DGAT2, which serves to synergistically increase the TAG biosynthesis and LD expansion, leading to enhancement of lipid accumulation in the liver and fat.