acetyl-CoA metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving acetyl-CoA, a derivative of coenzyme A in which the sulfhydryl group is acetylated; it is a metabolite derived from several pathways (e.g. glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, amino-acid catabolism) and is further metabolized by the tricarboxylic acid cycle. It is a key intermediate in lipid and terpenoid biosynthesis. [ISBN:0198547684]

Acetyl-CoA is a central molecule in metabolism, serving as a key intermediate in numerous pathways. Its formation from pyruvate, the end product of glycolysis, marks the link between carbohydrate metabolism and the citric acid cycle. The acetyl-CoA metabolic process encompasses several steps, starting with the decarboxylation of pyruvate by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. This multi-enzyme complex requires several cofactors, including thiamine pyrophosphate, lipoic acid, CoA, FAD, and NAD+, to catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate, producing CO2, NADH, and acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA can also be generated from fatty acid oxidation, where fatty acids are broken down into two-carbon units in the form of acetyl-CoA. Additionally, amino acids can contribute to the acetyl-CoA pool through specific pathways. Once produced, acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle, a series of reactions that oxidize the acetyl group, generating electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) and releasing carbon dioxide. The energy stored in these electron carriers is subsequently harnessed by the electron transport chain to produce ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. Besides its role in energy production, acetyl-CoA serves as a precursor for various biosynthesis pathways, including fatty acid synthesis, cholesterol synthesis, and ketone body synthesis. Acetyl-CoA is also involved in the regulation of gene expression, influencing the activity of certain transcription factors. These diverse functions highlight the crucial role of acetyl-CoA in cellular metabolism, linking carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, and supporting vital cellular processes such as energy production, biosynthesis, and gene regulation.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (2)