Hexadecanoic acid (Palmitic acid) (PA)

Palmitic acid (C16:0) is the most common saturated fatty acid in the human body, serving as a fundamental energy source and a key structural component of cell membranes (PubChem CID 985). It is produced endogenously via the Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN) pathway or obtained through dietary intake. Beyond its metabolic roles, palmitic acid functions as a signaling molecule and endogenous ligand for receptors such as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and G-protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40/FFAR1), which are involved in inflammatory signaling and insulin secretion, respectively (PubMed: 22425325, 12629548). Pathologically, elevated levels of palmitic acid are associated with lipotoxicity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and the development of metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While palmitic acid is a metabolite rather than a protein target, the enzymes that synthesize it and the receptors it activates are major focuses for drug development in metabolic and oncological therapy (PubMed: 30103412).

Other names

Palmitic acidC16:0n-Hexadecanoic acidCetylid acid

Palmitic acid acts as an endogenous ligand for GPR40 and TLR4, a substrate for protein palmitoylation, and a primary source for beta-oxidation (PubMed: 22425325, 12629548).