Lipidsyntes

Lipidsyntes refers to the biochemical processes by which cells produce lipids, a broad class of organic molecules that include fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols. Lipids serve structural roles in cell membranes, act as energy stores, and participate in signaling pathways. The synthesis of fatty acids begins with acetyl‑CoA, which is carboxylated by acetyl‑CoA carboxylase to malonyl‑CoA. Fatty acid synthase then condenses these building blocks in a cycle that elongates the carbon chain, producing saturated fatty acids that can be desaturated or elongated by additional enzymes.

Beyond fatty acids, lipidsyntes also encompasses the mevalonate pathway, responsible for producing isoprenoids and cholesterol in eukaryotes. Acetyl‑CoA is converted to HMG‑CoA, then to mevalonate by HMG‑CoA reductase, a key regulatory step often targeted by statin drugs to lower cholesterol levels. Cholesterol esters and phospholipids are further assembled into complex lipoproteins and membrane structures.

Regulation of lipid synthesis is coordinated by transcription factors such as SREBP and LXR, and by hormonal signals including insulin and glucagon. Overactive lipogenesis is linked to metabolic disorders like non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Conversely, defects in lipid biosynthesis enzymes can lead to congenital lipid storage diseases.

In biotechnology, engineered microbes produce lipids for biofuels, nutraceuticals, and industrial surfactants, making lipid synthesis a focal point in synthetic biology. Thus, lipidsyntes remains central to both physiological homeostasis and applied science.