Catalyzes the formation of fatty acid-cholesterol esters, which are less soluble in membranes than cholesterol. Plays a role in lipoprotein assembly and dietary cholesterol absorption. Utilizes oleoyl-CoA ((9Z)-octadecenoyl-CoA) and linolenoyl-CoA ((9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienoyl-CoA) as substrates. May provide cholesteryl esters for lipoprotein secretion from hepatocytes and intestinal mucosa.
Subcellular locations: Endoplasmic reticulum membrane
Liver and intestine. Expression is six-fold greater in hepatocytes than in kupffer cells.