acyl carrier activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding an acyl group and presenting it for processing or offloading to a cognate enzyme. Covalently binds the acyl group via a phosphopantetheine prosthetic group and mediates protein-protein interactions with the enzyme conferring specificity. The acyl carrier protein (ACP) presents substrates to enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis or in polyketide secondary metabolite biosynthesis. [GOC:jl, GOC:vw]

Acyl carrier activity plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of fatty acids, polyketides, and other important biomolecules. It involves the sequential addition of two-carbon units to a growing fatty acid chain, which is initiated by the attachment of an acyl group to the sulfhydryl group of a phosphopantetheine prosthetic group. This prosthetic group is covalently linked to a specific protein, known as an acyl carrier protein (ACP). The ACP serves as a mobile carrier of acyl groups, transferring them between different enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis. The acyl carrier protein's primary function is to bind and shuttle activated acyl units, facilitating the stepwise elongation of the fatty acid chain. The ACP also plays a crucial role in the stereospecific delivery of acyl groups to the active sites of the elongating enzymes, ensuring proper chain growth and the production of a diverse range of fatty acids. In addition to its role in fatty acid biosynthesis, acyl carrier activity is also essential for the synthesis of other important biomolecules, such as polyketides, which have a wide range of biological activities. Polyketides are produced by a similar process to fatty acid biosynthesis, but they often incorporate a wider variety of building blocks and modifications, leading to a greater diversity of structures. The ACP acts as a central hub in these biosynthetic pathways, mediating the transfer of acyl groups between different enzymes and ensuring the accurate assembly of these complex molecules.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)