fatty acid primary amide biosynthetic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of a fatty acid primary amide. [PMID:10079066, PMID:15952893]

Fatty acid primary amide biosynthesis is a fundamental metabolic pathway crucial for the production of diverse lipids with a wide range of biological functions. It involves the conjugation of a fatty acid with an amine, resulting in the formation of a fatty acid primary amide. This process is catalyzed by a family of enzymes known as fatty acid amide hydrolases (FAAHs). The biosynthesis begins with the activation of the fatty acid, typically by conversion to its CoA ester. This activated fatty acid is then transferred to the amine substrate, usually a primary amine, by a specific FAAH. The reaction involves the removal of water and the formation of a stable amide bond between the fatty acid and the amine. The resulting fatty acid primary amide can then be further modified, such as by chain elongation or desaturation, to produce a variety of bioactive lipids. These lipids play diverse roles in cell signaling, inflammation, pain modulation, and neurotransmission. For example, anandamide, a fatty acid primary amide derived from arachidonic acid, acts as an endocannabinoid neurotransmitter. Other notable fatty acid primary amides include oleamide, palmitoylethanolamide, and N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamines (NAPEs). The biosynthesis of fatty acid primary amides is tightly regulated, with FAAHs exhibiting substrate specificity and being subject to modulation by various factors. This precise regulation ensures the appropriate production of these lipids and their vital roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis and overall biological function.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)