Synthetic substrates of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase

Investigation of the substrate specificity of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase has been greatly aided by the use of synthetic particles containing the molecular lipid substrates and the apolipoprotein activators of the enzyme. These synthetic particles, in vesicle or disc-like micelle form, are described in some detail noting their preparation, properties, advantages, and limitations as substrates for lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase. The reactions of the enzyme with the synthetic particles are reviewed in terms of acyl donor and acceptor specificity, activation by apolipoproteins, effects of various inhibitors, and the kinetics of the reaction.