carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the reaction: palmitoyl-CoA + L-carnitine = CoA + L-palmitoylcarnitine. [EC:2.3.1.21]

Carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activity is a critical step in the beta-oxidation pathway, responsible for the breakdown of long-chain fatty acids for energy production. The enzyme catalyzes the transfer of long-chain fatty acyl groups from coenzyme A (CoA) to carnitine, forming acylcarnitine. This reaction is crucial for transporting long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane.

The process begins with the activation of fatty acids to their CoA derivatives by acyl-CoA synthetase. This activated fatty acyl-CoA then interacts with CPT, which is located in the outer mitochondrial membrane. CPT catalyzes the transfer of the fatty acyl group from CoA to carnitine, generating acylcarnitine. Acylcarnitine is then transported into the mitochondrial matrix by the carnitine acylcarnitine translocase (CACT).

Once inside the mitochondria, the acylcarnitine is hydrolyzed by carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT II), releasing carnitine and the free fatty acyl-CoA. This free fatty acyl-CoA then enters the beta-oxidation pathway, undergoing a series of reactions that generate energy in the form of ATP.

In summary, carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase activity facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria, where they can be oxidized for energy production. This enzyme plays a critical role in energy metabolism, particularly during periods of fasting, exercise, or dietary fat intake.'
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Proteins (6)

Compounds (15)