Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 (SCD1)

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is an iron-containing, endoplasmic reticulum-bound enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) from saturated fatty acids (SFAs). The primary reaction involves introducing a cis double bond between the 9th and 10th carbons of long-chain acyl-CoAs, most notably converting stearoyl-CoA (18:0) to oleoyl-CoA (18:1n9), and palmitoyl-CoA (16:0) to palmitoleoyl-CoA (16:1n7). SCD1 is crucial for maintaining cellular lipid composition by regulating the balance between SFAs and MUFAs and is implicated in a variety of diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

Other names

SCDDelta(9)-desaturaseStearoyl-CoA delta9 desaturaseAcyl-CoA desaturase

SCD1 inhibitors block the enzymatic activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, preventing the conversion of saturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids.