Long chain fatty acid biosynthesis proceeds through a condensation between acetyl coenzyme A and malonyl coenzyme A (1,2) as has now been shown in fatty acid synthetase systems from animal (3), plant (4), and microbial (5-7, Sl) sources. With studies on extracts of Escherichia coli, in which the major product is vaccenic acid, Lennarz, Light, and Bloch (7) have shown and we have confirmed (8) t...

The synthesis of triacetic acid lactone (TAL) is effected by purified soluble pigeon liver fatty acid synthetase. This enzyme system synthesizes TAL from acetyl coenzyme A and malonyl coenzyme A in the absence of TPNH, and synthesizes palmitic acid in the presence of TPNH. The major product of the reaction in the absence of TPNH is TAL, and not free triacetic acid. Presumably triacetic acid, bo...

The minimal actinorhodin polyketide synthase bearing two point mutations (KSbeta Q161A, ACP C17S) was chemically modified to carry novel C4 to C8 starter units on the ACP: on incubation with an excess of malonyl CoA new 16-carbon polyketides are made, supporting a measuring mechanism.

The synthesis of long chain fatty acids from acetate in mammalian, extramitochondrial ("solu-ble") systems requires three enzymatic steps: 1) the activation of acetate to form acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), 2) the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA by the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase to form malonyl-coenzyme A (malonyl-CoA), and 3) the subsequent complex series of serial condensations of malonyl-CoA...

The central nervous system mediates energy balance (energy intake and energy expenditure) in the body; the hypothalamus has a key role in this process. Recent evidence has demonstrated an important role for hypothalamic malonyl CoA in mediating energy balance. Malonyl CoA is generated by the carboxylation of acetyl CoA by acetyl CoA carboxylase and is then either incorporated into long-chain fa...

Malonyl-coenzyme A is an important precursor metabolite for the biosynthesis of polyketides, flavonoids and biofuels. However, malonyl-CoA naturally synthesized in microorganisms is consumed for the production of fatty acids and phospholipids leaving only a small amount available for the production of other metabolic targets in recombinant biosynthesis. Here we present an integrated computation...

Malonyl-CoA is a potent inhibitor of fatty acid uptake into the mitochondria. Although the synthesis of malonyl-CoA in the heart by acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) has been well characterized, no information is available as to how malonyl-CoA is degraded. We demonstrate that malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MCD) activity is present in the heart. Partial purification revealed a protein of ∼50 kDa. The ro...