Acetyl coenzyme A (Acetyl-CoA)

Acetyl coenzyme A (Acetyl-CoA) is a central metabolite in cellular metabolism, comprised of an acetyl group covalently attached to coenzyme A via a high-energy thioester bond[1][3]. Acetyl-CoA is generated from the breakdown of carbohydrates, fatty acids, and some amino acids, and acts as a key substrate for entry into the citric acid cycle, where its acetyl group is oxidized for ATP production[1][2][4][6]. It also serves as the essential precursor for the biosynthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, steroid hormones, and ketone bodies, as well as a donor for acetylation reactions including histone modification, influencing gene expression[4][8][2][6]. Acetyl-CoA levels and localization regulate a broad array of cellular processes by controlling energy metabolism and post-translational modifications[4][8]. While not itself a drug target (it is a metabolite, not an enzyme/protein/receptor/transporter), the metabolic enzymes that produce or utilize acetyl-CoA can be targets of drugs and therapeutic intervention in metabolic disease and cancer[8].

Other names

acetyl coenzyme AAcetyl CoAS-acetyl coenzyme A