regulation of fatty acid biosynthetic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of the chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of fatty acids, any of the aliphatic monocarboxylic acids that can be liberated by hydrolysis from naturally occurring fats and oils. [GOC:go_curators, GOC:jl]

The regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis is a complex and tightly controlled process, essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and providing the building blocks for diverse biological functions. It is orchestrated by a intricate interplay of transcriptional, translational, and post-translational mechanisms that respond to various cellular and environmental cues.

**Transcriptional Regulation:**
* **Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1c (SREBP-1c):** This transcription factor plays a central role in regulating fatty acid synthesis. Upon activation, SREBP-1c translocates to the nucleus and binds to specific DNA sequences known as sterol regulatory elements (SREs) in the promoters of genes encoding key enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS).
* **Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα):** This nuclear receptor is activated by fatty acids and their derivatives. When activated, PPARα promotes the transcription of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, but it also indirectly regulates fatty acid biosynthesis by modulating the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of fatty acid precursors, like acetyl-CoA.
* **Insulin:** Insulin promotes the transcription of genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis by activating the insulin signaling pathway, which in turn activates SREBP-1c.

**Translational Regulation:**
* **Regulation of mRNA stability and translation initiation:** The synthesis of key enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, such as ACC and FAS, can be controlled at the level of mRNA stability and translation initiation. Various factors, including nutrient availability, hormonal signals, and cellular stress, can influence these processes.

**Post-Translational Regulation:**
* **Phosphorylation:** The activity of key enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, such as ACC and FAS, can be regulated by phosphorylation. For example, ACC is inhibited by phosphorylation by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a sensor of cellular energy status. Conversely, insulin stimulates the dephosphorylation of ACC, leading to its activation.
* **Allosteric regulation:** The activity of enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis can also be regulated by allosteric mechanisms, where the binding of a molecule to a site other than the active site affects the enzyme's activity. For example, ACC is activated by citrate and inhibited by palmitoyl-CoA, a long-chain fatty acid.

**Cellular and Environmental Cues:**
* **Nutrient availability:** The availability of carbohydrates, particularly glucose, is a major determinant of fatty acid synthesis. Glucose is converted to pyruvate, which enters the mitochondria and is used for ATP production. However, excess pyruvate can be shunted towards the synthesis of fatty acids.
* **Hormonal signals:** Hormones like insulin and glucagon play key roles in regulating fatty acid biosynthesis. Insulin promotes fatty acid synthesis, while glucagon inhibits it.
* **Cellular stress:** Conditions like hypoxia, oxidative stress, and nutrient deprivation can trigger cellular stress responses that influence fatty acid biosynthesis.

**Regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis is essential for:**
* **Energy storage:** Fatty acids serve as a major form of energy storage, providing energy during periods of fasting or starvation.
* **Membrane biogenesis:** Fatty acids are essential components of cell membranes.
* **Synthesis of hormones and signaling molecules:** Fatty acids serve as precursors for the synthesis of hormones like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which play important roles in inflammation and other physiological processes.
* **Lipid metabolism:** Fatty acids are involved in a variety of lipid metabolic processes, including lipoprotein synthesis and cholesterol metabolism.

In summary, the regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis is a dynamic and tightly controlled process involving multiple levels of regulation, ensuring that fatty acid synthesis occurs at the appropriate levels to meet the needs of the cell and organism.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (11)