acetylCoAdeks

Acetyl-CoA dekarboxylases are enzymes that play a vital role in the metabolism of fatty acids and the synthesis of various biochemical compounds. These enzymes catalyze the removal of a carboxyl group (COO-) from acetyl-CoA, producing acetyl-CoA decarboxylated and a molecule of carbon dioxide. This reaction is reversible, allowing the enzyme to function both as a decarboxylase in the presence of acetyl-CoA and as a carboxylase in the presence of pyruvate.

There are 11 types of acetyl-CoA dekarboxylases encoded by distinct genes in humans, with each enzyme exhibiting distinct substrate and regulatory properties. Some of these enzymes are involved in the beta oxidation of fatty acids, while others play roles in the synthesis of ketone bodies, choline, l-Carnitine, and other related compounds.

The enzymes are divided into two main categories: branched chain acetyl-CoA dekarboxylases (BCACL) and succinyl-CoA itself and other related compounds acetyl-CoA dekarboxylases (SAACL). BCACL enzymes are crucial for the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) and their byproducts.

Dysregulation of acetyl-CoA dekarboxylases can have significant consequences for human health, as it can affect the synthesis and degradation of various cellular compounds. Abnormal activity of these enzymes has been linked to several metabolic disorders, including fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.