Acetoacetyl-CoA
Acetoacetyl-CoA is an important intermediate in the metabolism of fatty acids and ketone bodies. It is formed by the condensation of two molecules of acetyl-CoA and is involved in several metabolic pathways, including the ketogenesis and cholesterol synthesis pathways.
Formation[edit | edit source]
Acetoacetyl-CoA is synthesized from two molecules of acetyl-CoA by the enzyme thiolase. This reaction is a key step in the ketogenesis pathway, which occurs in the mitochondria of liver cells. The reaction can be summarized as follows:
- 2 Acetyl-CoA → Acetoacetyl-CoA + CoA-SH
Role in Metabolism[edit | edit source]
Acetoacetyl-CoA plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fatty acids and ketone bodies. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA), which is a key intermediate in the mevalonate pathway for cholesterol and isoprenoid synthesis. The conversion of acetoacetyl-CoA to HMG-CoA is catalyzed by the enzyme HMG-CoA synthase.
In the ketogenesis pathway, acetoacetyl-CoA is further converted to beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate, which are important ketone bodies used as energy sources by various tissues, especially during periods of fasting or carbohydrate restriction.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Abnormalities in the metabolism of acetoacetyl-CoA can lead to metabolic disorders. For example, defects in the enzymes involved in the ketogenesis pathway can result in conditions such as ketotic hypoglycemia and HMG-CoA lyase deficiency. These disorders can lead to an inability to properly produce and utilize ketone bodies, resulting in metabolic imbalances.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Acetyl-CoA
- Ketogenesis
- Cholesterol synthesis
- Fatty acid metabolism
- HMG-CoA synthase
- Beta-hydroxybutyrate
- Acetoacetate
References[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen, Prab R. Tumpati, MD