This gene encodes a protein that catalyzes the synthesis of 2-hydroxysphingolipids, a subset of sphingolipids that contain 2-hydroxy fatty acids. Sphingolipids play roles in many cellular processes and their structural diversity arises from modification of the hydrophobic ceramide moiety, such as by 2-hydroxylation of the N-acyl chain, and the existence of many different head groups. Mutations in this gene have been associated with leukodystrophy dysmyelinating with spastic paraparesis with or without dystonia.[provided by RefSeq, Mar 2010]
Forensic Context
A study in pigs demonstrated that the FA2H is a target of the transcription factor HSF1, which is a central regulator in the fat tissue of Enshi black pigs during cold exposure [Guo et al. DOI:10.1016/j.jgg.2024.06.017].