Fatty Acid Synthase Complex (FAS)

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a large, multifunctional enzyme complex responsible for the de novo synthesis of long-chain saturated fatty acids, primarily palmitate (C16:0), from acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA in the presence of NADPH. This process is central to lipid metabolism and provides essential components for biological membranes, energy storage, and signaling molecules. Overexpression or dysregulation of FASN is implicated in metabolic diseases and various cancers where increased lipogenesis supports rapid cell proliferation. It is a homodimer with multiple catalytic domains including KS, AT/MT, DH, ER, KR, ACP, and TE, which work together to elongate acyl chains. Transcriptionally regulated mainly via SREBP1 activation; post-translational modifications such as acetylation also modulate activity.

Inhibition of fatty acid synthesis