Acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT2)

Acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT2) is a cytosolic enzyme primarily involved in the metabolism of lipids and the biosynthesis of cholesterol and ketone bodies[1][3][8]. It catalyzes the reversible formation of acetoacetyl-CoA from two molecules of acetyl-CoA, acting as a thiolase in key metabolic pathways such as fatty acid metabolism, cholesterol synthesis, and ketone body metabolism. ACAT2 is encoded by the ACAT2 gene on human chromosome 6. Dysfunction of this enzyme is associated with rare inherited metabolic disorders and may have a role in broader lipid homeostasis[1][8].

Other names

Cytosolic acetoacetyl-CoA thiolaseAcetyl-Coenzyme A acetyltransferase 2Thiolase II

Inhibitors of ACAT2 would block the conversion of acetyl-CoA to acetoacetyl-CoA, thereby affecting cholesterol and lipid biosynthesis