Elovl4, short for Elongation of Very Long chain fatty acids-4, is an elongase in the ELOVL family. It is responsible for the biosynthesis of very long chain (VLC, ≥C28) saturated (VLC-SFA) and polyunsaturated (VLC-PUFA) fatty acids in tissues like the brain, retina, skin, Meibomian glands, and testes. These VLC-SFA and VLC-PUFA play crucial roles in maintaining cell structure and function, such as modulating membrane fluidity and cell signaling, and are essential for neural function, skin permeability barrier maintenance, and sperm function [1,2,4]. Genetically engineered mouse models have been used to explore the mechanisms by which Elovl4 impacts neural function and health [1].

Different mutations in Elovl4 cause various human phenotypes. Heterozygous inheritance of certain mutations leads to autosomal dominant Stargardt-like macular dystrophy (STGD3), while homozygous inheritance of others causes severe seizures with ichthyosis, hypertonia, and even death. Some heterozygous mutations result in spinocerebellar ataxia-34 (SCA34) with or without erythrokeratodermia (EKV) [1]. In cell culture studies, mutant Elovl4 variants like L168F and W246G showed differential capabilities in VLC-PUFA and VLC-SFA biosynthesis, which may contribute to the pathogenic mechanisms of SCA34 and related disorders [3].

In conclusion, Elovl4 is essential for the biosynthesis of VLC-SFA and VLC-PUFA, which are crucial for multiple biological functions. The study of Elovl4 using genetically engineered mouse models has provided insights into its role in neural function and the pathogenesis of diseases such as STGD3, SCA34, and other neuro-ichthyosis-related disorders, enhancing our understanding of basic neural signaling mechanisms and potentially paving the way for novel therapies [1,2,3,4,5].