Carnitine O-octanoyltransferase (CROT)

Carnitine O-octanoyltransferase (CROT) is a peroxisomal enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism, catalyzing the reversible transfer of medium-chain acyl groups from acyl-CoA to carnitine to form acyl-carnitine, which enables export of partially oxidized fatty acids from peroxisomes for further mitochondrial β-oxidation[1][2][3]. CROT thereby acts as a metabolic bridge between peroxisomal and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation pathways and contributes to cellular lipid and energy homeostasis[1][3]. Regulation of CROT affects not only energy production but also the abundance of lipid-derived signaling molecules, and CROT has been implicated in pathological processes such as vascular calcification and metabolic disorders[2][3]. Genetic or pharmacological modulation of CROT leads to changes in the levels of omega-3 fatty acids and dicarboxylic acids, suggesting potential for biomarker development and therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases[2].

Other names

Peroxisomal carnitine O-octanoyltransferaseCOTCarnitine medium-chain acyltransferaseMedium-chain/long-chain carnitine acyltransferaseEasily solubilized mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferaseOvert mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferasePeroxisomal carnitine acyltransferase

Inhibition of CROT (genetic knockout or siRNA silencing) modulates fatty acid and dicarboxylic acid levels, alters lipid metabolism, and reduces vascular calcification; No direct small-molecule inhibitors in clinical use known