ATPcitratlyas

ATP citrate lyase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. It catalyzes the ATP-dependent cleavage of citrate into acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate. This reaction is a key step in the pathway of fatty acid synthesis, as acetyl-CoA is the primary building block for fatty acids. The enzyme is found in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells.

In animals, ATP citrate lyase is primarily involved in lipogenesis, the process of synthesizing fats. When glucose levels are high, excess acetyl-CoA is produced through glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. This acetyl-CoA is then transported from the mitochondria to the cytosol, where ATP citrate lyase converts it back into acetyl-CoA. This cytosolic acetyl-CoA can then be used to synthesize fatty acids, which are stored as triglycerides.

In plants, ATP citrate lyase is also involved in fatty acid synthesis, particularly in seeds and fruits. However, it has additional roles in other metabolic pathways, including the synthesis of isoprenoids and the regulation of carbon flow. The expression of ATP citrate lyase can be regulated by various factors, including hormones and nutrient availability.

Dysregulation of ATP citrate lyase activity has been implicated in several diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. In cancer cells, increased ATP citrate lyase activity can contribute to the enhanced lipogenesis required for rapid cell proliferation. Therefore, ATP citrate lyase has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for these conditions.