What are acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA?

What are acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA?

Acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA are the basic building blocks used for the de novo biosynthesis of fatty acids in living organisms ( Volpe and Vagelos, 1973, 1976 ). Acetyl-CoA normally arises in the cell as a product of the glycolytic cycle or by β-oxidation of fatty acids in the mitochondria.

How do you make malonyl CoA from acetyl CoA?

The formation of malonyl-CoA from acetyl-CoA is a two-step reaction involving first, the ATP-dependent carboxylation of the N1 atom in the ureido ring of biotin, using bicarbonate as the carboxyl donor (Fig. 1 ).

What is the role of malonyl CoA?

Malonyl-CoA is not only the substrate for fatty acid synthase, but it is a key determinant for the entry of fatty acids into the mitochondria, and appears to play a pivotal signaling role in appetite regulation. Malonyl-CoA is an inhibitor of carnitine palmitoyltransferase.

What is the mechanism of action of malonyl CoA on triglycerides?

Malonyl-CoA is an inhibitor of carnitine palmitoyltransferase. Thus, high levels of malonyl-CoA suppress fatty acid entry into the mitochondria and this in turn leads to increased flux of fatty acids to triglycerides.