Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 6 (ACSL6)

Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 6 (ACSL6) is an **enzyme** that catalyzes the conversion of long-chain fatty acids into acyl-CoA derivatives, a key step enabling their use in lipid synthesis, energy production, and cell signaling[1][4]. ACSL6 is vital for the regulation of lipid partitioning, especially in the brain, skeletal muscle, liver, and retina, directing fatty acids toward either storage or oxidation[1][5][6]. Its activity is implicated in metabolic diseases—linked to triglyceride accumulation, insulin resistance, obesity, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disease—and is involved in the regulation of membrane phospholipids critical to neuronal and visual function[2][5][6]. ACSL6 also participates in gene translocation events in certain leukemias[4]. Loss of ACSL6 function in the retina causes photoreceptor degeneration and impaired vision, highlighting its specialized physiological roles[6].

Other names

Long-chain-fatty-acid--CoA ligase 6ACS2FACL6KIAA0837LACS5LACS6LACS2Arachidonate--CoA ligasefatty-acid-Coenzyme A ligaselong-chain 6long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 6

Enzymes such as ACSL6 are targeted experimentally to modulate lipid metabolism, fatty acid uptake, and storage; inhibition or knockdown leads to altered lipid partitioning and mitochondrial function[5].