acetyl-CoA binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to acetyl-CoA, an acyl-CoA having acetyl as its S-acetyl component. [GO_REF:0000067, GOC:bc, GOC:krc, GOC:PARL, GOC:TermGenie, PMID:24927529]

Acetyl-CoA binding is a molecular function that describes the interaction of a protein with acetyl-CoA, a key molecule in cellular metabolism. Acetyl-CoA serves as a central carrier of acetyl groups, which are two-carbon units essential for numerous biochemical reactions. Proteins that bind acetyl-CoA play crucial roles in various metabolic pathways, including:
* **Fatty Acid Metabolism:** Acetyl-CoA is the primary building block for fatty acid synthesis, and enzymes like acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase bind and utilize acetyl-CoA to elongate fatty acid chains.
* **Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle):** Acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle, a central metabolic pathway that generates energy in the form of ATP. The enzyme citrate synthase catalyzes the condensation of acetyl-CoA with oxaloacetate, initiating the cycle.
* **Amino Acid Metabolism:** Some amino acids, like leucine, are broken down to acetyl-CoA, which can be further utilized for energy production or fatty acid synthesis.
* **Steroid Biosynthesis:** Acetyl-CoA is a precursor for the biosynthesis of steroids, including cholesterol and hormones.
* **Acetylation Reactions:** Acetyl-CoA serves as the acetyl donor in acetylation reactions, a vital process that modifies proteins and other molecules. Acetylation can alter protein function, localization, and interactions.
The binding of acetyl-CoA to these proteins is typically highly specific and involves interactions with the acetyl group, the CoA moiety, or both. These interactions can be mediated by hydrophobic pockets, hydrogen bonds, and electrostatic interactions. The affinity and specificity of acetyl-CoA binding are critical for the proper regulation and function of these metabolic pathways.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)