Bacterial Fatty Acid Synthesis Pathway (FASII)

The bacterial cell membrane formation is critically dependent on the de novo synthesis of fatty acids via the type II fatty acid synthase (FASII) pathway. This pathway is essential for bacterial survival, as it provides the building blocks for membrane phospholipids. Key enzymes include acetyl-CoA carboxylase (AccABCD), FabH, FabB, FabF, FabG, and FabZ/FabA. The pathway is regulated by transcriptional regulators like FadR and FabR. Its structural divergence from the mammalian type I FAS makes it a promising target for antibacterial drug development. Inhibitors like platensimycin, triclosan, and isoniazid target specific enzymes within this pathway.

Other names

Type II Fatty Acid Synthase SystemBacterial de novo fatty acid synthesis

Inhibition of fatty acid synthesis enzymes (e.g., FabH, FabB, FabF, Acetyl-CoA carboxylase)