Acyl-CoA thioesterase 6 (ACOT6)

Acyl-CoA thioesterase 6 (ACOT6) is an **enzyme** encoded by the **ACOT6 gene** in humans and is a member of the acyl-CoA thioesterase family (type I), characterized by an α/β-hydrolase fold[2][1][5]. Predominantly localized to the cytosol and peroxisomes, ACOT6 catalyzes the hydrolysis of acyl-CoA thioesters to free fatty acids and coenzyme A, which is central to **fatty acid and acyl-CoA metabolism**[1][4][5]. This function is especially important in branched‐chain fatty acid metabolism, where ACOT6 assists in the conversion of phytanic acid into pristanic acid, thereby facilitating subsequent β-oxidation that is otherwise hindered by methyl groups in phytanic acid[1]. The ACOT6 gene is co-expressed with other peroxisomal enzymes and is upregulated by PPARα, suggesting its regulation is closely linked to nuclear receptor-mediated control of fatty acid oxidation[1]. Altered expression of ACOT6 has been observed in some cancers, such as clear cell renal cell carcinoma, particularly with a link to smoking, although the specific mechanisms linking ACOT6 to disease remain to be fully elucidated[1][2]. No validated small molecule inhibitors, drugs, mechanisms of drug action, or clinical biomarkers for ACOT6 have been reported as of the current literature, and no direct safety concerns or established therapeutic challenges are known. ACOT6 is considered a metabolic enzyme and not a classical drug target (such as a receptor or transporter), but by virtue of its molecular function and disease associations, it may be a candidate metabolic target in future therapeutic or metabolic research[2][1][4][5].

Other names

C14orf42c14_5530putative acyl-CoA thioesterase 6