Fatty acyl-CoA desaturase (FADS)

Fatty acyl-CoA desaturases are a family of membrane-bound enzymes that catalyze the introduction of double bonds into fatty acyl-CoA chains, a process essential for the synthesis of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (UniProt, P13516). The most prominent member, Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), specifically introduces a cis-double bond at the delta-9 position of saturated fatty acids like stearic and palmitic acid (NCBI Gene, 6319). These enzymes play a pivotal role in regulating membrane fluidity, energy metabolism, and the production of lipid signaling molecules (PubMed, 12456330). Dysregulation of fatty acyl-CoA desaturases is strongly linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (PubMed, 21115338). Additionally, their upregulation in various cancers supports rapid membrane biogenesis and cell survival under stress (PubMed, 29453211). As a result, they have become significant therapeutic targets for metabolic and oncological drug development. Small-molecule inhibitors like Aramchol and MK-8245 have been developed to reduce lipid accumulation and improve insulin sensitivity (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02279524). However, clinical progress has been tempered by safety concerns, particularly regarding the role of these enzymes in maintaining skin and eye health (PubMed, 15611305).

Other names

Stearoyl-CoA desaturaseSCDDelta-9 desaturaseDelta-6 desaturaseDelta-5 desaturaseFADS1FADS2FADS3Acyl-CoA desaturase

Inhibition of the enzymatic conversion of saturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids by introducing a cis-double bond at specific positions (e.g., delta-9) in the fatty acyl-CoA chain (PubMed, 12456330).