ACAA1 Human

Acetyl-CoA Acyltransferase, also known as thiolase, is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fatty acids and the biosynthesis of ketone bodies. This enzyme catalyzes the thiolytic cleavage of 3-ketoacyl-CoA into acetyl-CoA and a shortened acyl-CoA molecule. The human recombinant form of Acetyl-CoA Acyltransferase is produced using recombinant DNA technology, allowing for the study and application of this enzyme in various biochemical and medical research fields.

Acetyl-CoA Acyltransferase is a homotetrameric enzyme, meaning it consists of four identical subunits. Each subunit contains an active site where the catalytic reaction occurs. The enzyme’s primary function is to facilitate the breakdown of fatty acids through β-oxidation, a process that generates acetyl-CoA, which can then enter the citric acid cycle to produce energy.

In addition to its role in fatty acid metabolism, Acetyl-CoA Acyltransferase is involved in the synthesis of ketone bodies, which are important energy sources during periods of fasting or low carbohydrate intake. The enzyme’s activity is regulated by various factors, including substrate availability and post-translational modifications.

The production of human recombinant Acetyl-CoA Acyltransferase involves the insertion of the human gene encoding the enzyme into a suitable expression vector. This vector is then introduced into a host organism, such as Escherichia coli or yeast, which expresses the enzyme. The recombinant enzyme is subsequently purified using techniques such as affinity chromatography, ensuring high purity and activity.

Recombinant production offers several advantages, including the ability to produce large quantities of the enzyme, consistency in enzyme activity, and the elimination of potential contaminants found in enzymes extracted from natural sources.

Human recombinant Acetyl-CoA Acyltransferase has numerous applications in research and medicine. It is used to study the mechanisms of fatty acid metabolism and ketogenesis, providing insights into metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. The enzyme is also employed in drug discovery and development, where it serves as a target for potential therapeutic agents aimed at modulating its activity.

Furthermore, Acetyl-CoA Acyltransferase is utilized in the production of biofuels and bioplastics, where its ability to catalyze the formation of acetyl-CoA is harnessed to generate renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly materials.