Molecular Classification
Metabolic Pathway, Enzyme Cascade
Other Names
Acetyl-CoA Synthesis, Acetyl-CoA Production, Acetyl-CoA Metabolic Pathway, Glucose Metabolism (Acetyl-CoA Link), Fatty Acid Metabolism (Acetyl-CoA Link), Amino Acid Metabolism (Acetyl-CoA Link)
Disease Roles
CancerMetabolic DisordersObesity

Cellular Metabolism via Conversion to Acetyl-CoA Overview

Cellular metabolism via conversion to acetyl-CoA refers to the central metabolic process in which various nutrients—primarily glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids—are catabolized and funneled into a common intermediate: acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). This molecule acts as a key metabolic node, linking energy production with biosynthetic and regulatory pathways. Acetyl-CoA is essential for cellular respiration, fatty acid synthesis, cholesterol synthesis, ketone body formation, and protein acetylation. Its levels and utilization are tightly regulated according to nutrient availability and cellular state. Alterations in acetyl-CoA metabolism impact numerous physiological processes including growth, differentiation, stress responses, and disease states like cancer.

Mechanism of Action

Indirectly affected by drugs modulating upstream metabolic enzymes or hormonal regulators

Biological Functions

Energy Production
Fatty Acid Synthesis
Cholesterol Synthesis
Ketone Body Formation
Protein Acetylation
Histone Modification
Regulation of Gene Expression
Cellular Respiration

Disease Associations

Cancer
Metabolic Disorders
Obesity
Diabetes
Cardiovascular Disease
Neurodegenerative Diseases

Safety Considerations

  • Metabolic Imbalance
  • Lactic Acidosis
  • Ketogenesis
  • Drug-induced Hepatotoxicity

Interacting Drugs

Insulin
Metformin
Statins
Fibrate

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
Acetyl-CoA levels
Citrate levels
Fatty Acid Synthase expression
ACSS2 expression