The lipid composition of cellular membranes is regulated to maintain membrane fluidity. A
key enzyme involved in this process is the membrane-bound stearoyl-CoA desaturase
(SCD) which is the rate-limiting enzyme in the cellular synthesis of monounsaturated fatty
acids from saturated fatty acids. A proper ratio of saturated to monounsaturated fatty acids
contributes to membrane fluidity. Alterations in this ratio have been implicated in various
disease states including cardiovascular disease, obesity, non-insulin-dependent diabetes …