Elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 7 (Elovl7)

Catalyzes the initial and rate-limiting response of the four which constitute the long-chain fatty acids elongation cycle. This endoplasmic reticulum-bound enzymatic process, allows the inclusion of two carbons to the chain of long- and very long-chain fatty acids/VLCFAs each cycle.

Condensing enzyme with higher activity toward C18 acyl-CoAs, especially C18:3(n-3) acyl-CoAs and C18:3(n-6)-CoAs. Also active toward C20:4-, C18:0-, C18:1-, C18:2- and C16:0-CoAs, and weakly toward C20:0-CoA.