At least three tissue-specific isozymes exist in higher vertebrates, pancreatic, hepatic and gastric/lingual.

Such a region is also present in lipases of prokaryotic origin and in lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.43) (LCAT),[4] which catalyzes fatty acid transfer between phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol.

As the primary lipase enzyme that hydrolyzes (breaks down) dietary fat molecules in the human digestive system, it is one of the main digestive enzymes, converting triglyceride substrates like 1 found in ingested oils to monoglycerides 3 and free fatty acids 2a and 2b.

The resulting monomers (2 free fatty acids and one 2-monoacylglycerol) are then moved by way of peristalsis along the small intestine to be absorbed into the lymphatic system by a specialized vessel called a lacteal.

[9] One peptide selected by phage display was found to inhibit pancreatic lipase.