This gene encodes a member of the membrane fatty acid desaturase family which is responsible for inserting double bonds into specific positions in fatty acids. This protein contains three His-containing consensus motifs that are characteristic of a group of membrane fatty acid desaturases. It is predicted to be a multiple membrane-spanning protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. Overexpression of this gene inhibited biosynthesis of the EGF receptor, suggesting a possible role of a fatty acid desaturase in regulating biosynthetic processing of the EGF receptor. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2010].
Function: Has sphingolipid-delta-4-desaturase activity. Converts D-erythro-sphinganine to D-erythro-sphingosine (E-sphing-4-enine).