Evolutionary divergence and functions of the human acyl-CoA thioesterase gene ( ACOT ) family.

ABSTRACT: The acyl-CoA thioesterase gene (ACOT ) family encodes enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of acyl-CoA thioester compounds, also known as activated fatty acids, to their corresponding non-esterified (free) fatty acid and coenzyme A (CoASH). These enzymes play a very important role in lipid metabolism by maintaining cellular levels and proper ratios of free and activated fatty acids, as well as CoASH. Within the acyl-CoA family there are two distinct subgroups, type I and type II. Despite catalysing the same reaction, the two groups are not structurally similar and do not share sequence homology, strongly suggesting convergent evolution. This suggestion is further supported if one compares the human with the mouse and rat ACOT gene families. To date, four human type I ACOTs have been identi

SUBMITTER: Brocker C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3525216 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature