malonyl-CoA biosynthetic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of malonyl-CoA, the S-malonyl derivative of coenzyme A. [GOC:yaf, UniPathway:UPA00655]

The malonyl-CoA biosynthetic process is a crucial metabolic pathway involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, polyketides, and other important biomolecules. This process begins with the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA, a two-carbon molecule, to form malonyl-CoA, a three-carbon molecule. This carboxylation reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), which requires biotin as a cofactor. ACC is a multi-subunit enzyme with three distinct domains: biotin carboxylase, biotin carboxyl carrier protein, and carboxyltransferase. The reaction proceeds through several steps:

1. **Biotin carboxylation:** The biotin carboxylase domain of ACC utilizes ATP to carboxylate biotin, forming carboxybiotin.
2. **Biotin carboxyl carrier protein:** The biotin carboxyl carrier protein domain then transfers the carboxyl group from carboxybiotin to the carboxyltransferase domain.
3. **Acetyl-CoA carboxylation:** The carboxyltransferase domain catalyzes the transfer of the carboxyl group from biotin to acetyl-CoA, generating malonyl-CoA.

Malonyl-CoA is a key building block in fatty acid synthesis. In this process, it is incorporated into a growing fatty acid chain by the enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS). Malonyl-CoA is also a precursor for the biosynthesis of polyketides, a diverse group of natural products with a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties.

The malonyl-CoA biosynthetic process is tightly regulated to ensure the appropriate balance of fatty acids and other essential metabolites. ACC activity is regulated by several factors, including phosphorylation, allosteric regulation, and substrate availability. The regulation of ACC activity plays a critical role in controlling the rate of fatty acid synthesis, which is important for maintaining energy homeostasis and cellular growth.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (2)