Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1)

Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a key iron-containing, endoplasmic reticulum enzyme responsible for the introduction of a double bond at the delta-9 position of saturated fatty acyl-CoAs, most prominently converting stearoyl-CoA and palmitoyl-CoA into the monounsaturated fatty acids oleoyl-CoA and palmitoleoyl-CoA, respectively[1][4]. SCD1 activity is a fundamental determinant of cell membrane fluidity, lipid homeostasis, and energy metabolism, highly expressed in liver and adipose tissue, and plays a critical role in both normal physiology and the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer[2][3][4][5]. Pharmaceutical inhibition or genetic deficiency of SCD1 leads to increased energy expenditure, fatty acid oxidation, and insulin sensitivity, and resistance to hepatic steatosis and obesity. SCD1 is considered a promising therapeutic target, though chronic inhibition may be associated with adverse effects including skin and liver toxicity and altered cardiovascular function.

Other names

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1Δ-9-desaturaseSCD-1stearoyl-CoA,ferrocytochrome-b5:oxygen oxidoreductase (9,10-dehydrogenating)SCD

Inhibition of SCD1 decreases monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis, leading to: - Increased β-oxidation of fatty acids - Reduced lipid synthesis and storage - Altered cell membrane properties - Enhanced insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure - Modulation of lipotoxicity