long-chain fatty-acyl-CoA metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving long-chain fatty-acyl-CoAs, any derivative of coenzyme A in which the sulfhydryl group is in a thioester linkage with a long-chain fatty-acyl group. A long-chain fatty acid has an aliphatic tail containing 13 to 22 carbons. [ISBN:0198506732]

Long-chain fatty-acyl-CoA metabolic process is a central pathway in energy metabolism, playing a vital role in the breakdown and synthesis of fatty acids. This process encompasses a series of enzymatic reactions that convert long-chain fatty acids into energy-rich molecules, primarily acetyl-CoA, which can then enter the citric acid cycle for ATP production. The process begins with the activation of long-chain fatty acids by attaching them to coenzyme A, forming long-chain fatty-acyl-CoA. This activation step is catalyzed by acyl-CoA synthetase, requiring ATP. Once activated, long-chain fatty-acyl-CoA enters the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, via the carnitine shuttle. Inside the mitochondria, long-chain fatty-acyl-CoA undergoes beta-oxidation, a cyclical process that breaks down the fatty acid molecule into two-carbon units of acetyl-CoA. Each cycle involves four enzymatic reactions: oxidation, hydration, oxidation, and thiolysis. During oxidation, a dehydrogenase removes hydrogen atoms from the fatty acid, generating FADH2, an electron carrier. Hydration adds a water molecule to the molecule, followed by another oxidation that produces NADH, another electron carrier. Finally, thiolysis cleaves the fatty acid chain, releasing acetyl-CoA and a shorter fatty-acyl-CoA that can then enter another round of beta-oxidation. This cycle continues until the entire fatty acid is broken down into acetyl-CoA. The acetyl-CoA produced by beta-oxidation enters the citric acid cycle, where it is further oxidized to generate ATP and carbon dioxide. In addition to energy production, long-chain fatty-acyl-CoA metabolic process also plays an important role in various cellular processes, including membrane synthesis, hormone production, and signal transduction. This process is tightly regulated by hormonal and nutritional factors, ensuring the efficient and balanced utilization of fatty acids for cellular needs.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (6)