Fatty acids

Fatty acids are long-chain carboxylic acids and fundamental building blocks of lipids such as triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterol esters[3][5][9]. They are usually unbranched, contain an even number of carbon atoms (typically 12–22), and can be saturated (no double bonds) or unsaturated (one or more double bonds)[3][5][7]. In biological systems, fatty acids play key roles in energy storage, cellular membrane structure, signaling, and regulation of gene expression[4][6][8]. They are not a single molecule or receptor but a class of molecules. They are transformed in the body through processes such as β-oxidation (for ATP production), esterification (for storage), and serve as precursors for signaling lipids like eicosanoids[4][8]. Fatty acids influence many physiological states and disease risk but are not themselves considered a drug target; instead, enzymes, receptors, and transporters that bind, synthesize, or metabolize fatty acids (such as fatty acid synthase, PPARs, and fatty acid-binding proteins) are typical drug targets[2][6]. Fatty acids are classified as "Other" in molecular target frameworks and should not be listed as a therapeutic target or receptor[3][5][6].

Other names

Fatty acidfatty acidsfree fatty acidFFA