Malonyl-CoA
Malonyl-CoA, a coenzyme A derivative of malonic acid, is a pivotal molecule in several cellular biosynthetic processes. It plays central roles in fatty acid biosynthesis, polyketide biosynthesis, and the transportation of alpha-ketoglutarate into the mitochondrial matrix.
Functions[edit | edit source]
Malonyl-CoA has various functions in cellular processes:
- It acts as a source of 2-carbon units in the elongation of fatty acid chains.
- It facilitates the transport of alpha-ketoglutarate across the mitochondrial membrane into the mitochondrial matrix.
- Commits molecules for fatty acid chain synthesis.
Fatty Acid Biosynthesis[edit | edit source]
Fatty acid biosynthesis is a process where new fatty acid chains are synthesized, and Malonyl-CoA plays a pivotal role in this pathway:
- Malonyl-CoA originates from the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA, a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase. During this process, one molecule of acetyl-CoA reacts with bicarbonate, utilizing energy derived from ATP.
- In fatty acid synthesis, the enzyme malonyl coenzyme A:acyl carrier protein transacylase (MCAT) uses Malonyl-CoA. MCAT transfers the malonate from Malonyl-CoA to the terminal thiol of holo-acyl carrier protein (ACP).
Polyketide Biosynthesis[edit | edit source]
Malonyl-CoA is also fundamental in the biosynthesis of polyketides, primarily in bacterial systems:
MCAT is a crucial enzyme in bacterial polyketide biosynthesis. Along with an acyl carrier protein (ACP) and a polyketide synthase-chain-length factor heterodimer, MCAT constitutes the basic PKS for type II polyketides.
Regulation[edit | edit source]
Given the importance of Malonyl-CoA in fatty acid synthesis, it is tightly regulated within the cell:
- Malonyl-CoA is a significant inhibitor of the rate-limiting step in beta-oxidation of fatty acids.
- By regulating the enzyme carnitine acyltransferase, Malonyl-CoA prevents fatty acids from associating with carnitine. As a result, fatty acids are barred from entering the mitochondria, the site for fatty acid oxidation and degradation.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Fatty acid synthesis
- Polyketides
- Mitochondria
- *Malonyl-CoA decarboxylase
- *Malonyl-CoA decarboxylase deficiency
External links[edit | edit source]
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