Fatty Acid Biosynthesis Enzymes (FAS Enzymes)

Fatty acid biosynthesis enzymes are a group of proteins responsible for the de novo synthesis of fatty acids from acetyl-CoA and NADPH. This process is essential for producing key cellular components such as membrane lipids, energy storage molecules (like triacylglycerides), and precursors for various metabolites. The pathway is highly conserved across all domains of life, but the organization and regulation of the enzymes differ between organisms. Key enzymes include Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC), Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS), Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP), Desaturases, and Elongases. Regulation occurs via allosteric effectors and covalent modification. Inhibitors targeting bacterial Type II FAS are promising antibiotics. Dysregulation in humans can contribute to metabolic diseases like obesity, diabetes, cancer.

Other names

Fatty Acid SynthaseAcetyl-CoA CarboxylaseACCFASAcyl Carrier ProteinACPDesaturasesElongases

Inhibition of fatty acid synthesis