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LIPA gene
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Gene

LIPA gene

The LIPA gene provides instructions for producing the enzyme lysosomal acid lipase, which is essential for breaking down and recycling fats within cells.

Normal Function

The LIPA gene provides instructions for producing an enzyme called lysosomal acid lipase. This enzyme is found in cell compartments called lysosomes, which digest and recycle materials the cell no longer needs. Lysosomal acid lipase breaks down fats (lipids) such as triglycerides and cholesteryl esters. Cholesteryl esters are made up of two lipids that are attached to each other, cholesterol and a fatty acid. Lysosomal acid lipase separates the cholesterol from the fatty acid. Triglycerides are stored fats that can be broken down into fatty acids that are used for energy. The lipids produced from these processes are used by the body or transported to the liver for removal.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency

Approximately 60 mutations in the LIPA gene have been found to cause lysosomal acid lipase deficiency. This inherited condition is characterized by the accumulation of harmful amounts of lipids in cells and tissues throughout the body. Mutations in the LIPA gene lead to a shortage (deficiency) of functional lysosomal acid lipase. The severity of the condition depends on how much working enzyme is available. In individuals with a complete loss of enzyme activity, the condition begins in infancy and is often fatal. In individuals with some remaining enzyme activity, the amount of enzyme activity generally determines the severity of the condition.

The most common LIPA gene mutation, found in about half of individuals with lysosomal acid lipase deficiency that begins in childhood or later, disrupts the way the gene's instructions are used to make lysosomal acid lipase. This particular mutation, called a splice-site mutation, substitutes the DNA building block (nucleotide) guanine for the nucleotide adenine near an area of the gene called exon 8 (written as IVS8-1G>A). This mutation results in the deletion of 24 protein building blocks (amino acids). People with the IVS8-1G>A mutation in both copies of the LIPA gene in each cell have 5 percent of the normal amount of lysosomal acid lipase activity.

Reduction or absence of lysosomal acid lipase activity results in the accumulation of triglycerides, cholesteryl esters, and other lipids within lysosomes, causing fat buildup in multiple tissues. The body's inability to produce cholesterol from the breakdown of these lipids leads to an increase in alternative methods of cholesterol production and higher-than-normal levels of cholesterol in the blood. The excess lipids are transported to the liver for removal. Because many of them are not broken down properly, they cannot be removed from the body; instead, they accumulate in the liver, resulting in liver disease. The progressive accumulation of lipids in tissues results in organ dysfunction and the signs and symptoms of lysosomal acid lipase deficiency.

Other Names for This Gene

  • cholesterol ester hydrolase
  • LAL
  • LICH_HUMAN
  • lipase A
  • lipase A, lysosomal acid
  • lipase A, lysosomal acid, cholesterol esterase
  • lysosomal acid lipase
  • sterol esterase

Frequently Asked Questions

nswer 3: Yes, lysosomal acid lipase deficiency is an inherited condition. It is passed down in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that a person must inherit two copies of the mutated LIPA gene (one from each parent) to develop the condition. Individuals who inherit only one mutated copy are carriers and typically do not show symptoms but can pass the gene on to their children.
nswer 2: Diagnosis typically involves a blood test to measure the activity of the lysosomal acid lipase enzyme in white blood cells or dried blood spots. Genetic testing for mutations in the LIPA gene can confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific mutation. Imaging studies and liver biopsies may also be used to assess organ involvement.
nswer 1: In infants with severe deficiency, symptoms appear very early and can include poor growth, vomiting, diarrhea, an enlarged liver and spleen, and liver failure. For individuals with some remaining enzyme activity, symptoms might appear later in childhood or adulthood and can be more varied. These can include an enlarged liver and spleen, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, liver problems (which can progress to cirrhosis), and digestive issues.
nswer 4: Treatment for lysosomal acid lipase deficiency primarily involves enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), which provides a synthetic version of the missing lysosomal acid lipase enzyme. This therapy helps to break down the accumulated fats and can improve liver function, reduce lipid levels, and slow disease progression. Supportive care for symptoms like digestive issues or liver complications is also important.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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