Systemic fatty acid–dependent pathways

Systemic fatty acid–dependent pathways encompass the integrated network of biochemical reactions responsible for the synthesis, transport, and utilization of fatty acids throughout the body (Röhrig & Schulze, 2016). These pathways are critical for maintaining energy homeostasis, providing structural components for cell membranes, and generating lipid-derived signaling molecules (Currie et al., 2013). Key nodes in these pathways include enzymes like Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN) and Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC), as well as transport proteins like CD36, which are regulated by systemic hormonal and nutritional cues (Loomba et al., 2021). Dysregulation of these pathways is a hallmark of metabolic diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and obesity, and it is increasingly recognized as a metabolic vulnerability in many cancers (Nature Communications, 2023). While the term describes a complex biological system rather than a single molecular target, the individual enzymes and receptors within these pathways are actively pursued as therapeutic targets to treat metabolic and oncological disorders.

Other names

Fatty acid metabolismLipid metabolic pathwaysSystemic lipid signalingFatty acid synthesis and oxidation pathways

Modulation of lipid synthesis, transport, and oxidation through the targeting of specific enzymes and receptors within the systemic metabolic network.