Description | Palmitelaidoyl-CoA is a monounsaturated fatty acid, the product of palmitoyl-CoA from a reaction catalyzed by stearoyl-CoA desaturase (EC 1.14.99.5, SCD) in the endoplasmic reticulum, an enzyme that catalyzes the delta9-cis desaturation of saturated fatty acyl-CoAs. These monounsaturated fatty acids are used as substrates for the synthesis of triglycerides, wax esters, cholesteryl esters and membrane phospholipids. The saturated to monounsaturated fatty acid ratio affects membrane phospholipid composition and alteration in this ratio has been implicated in a variety of disease states including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, neurological disease, skin disorders and cancer. Thus, the expression of SCD is of physiological importance in normal and disease states. Unsaturated fatty acids are the most abundant form of stored fat in the human body and are vital for all living organisms. In addition to their role as an energy source, they are integral constituents of cell membranes, playing a role in membrane fluidity, cell signaling, and membrane integrity. Numerous beneficial physiologic effects have been attributed to unsaturated fatty acids, including protection from obesity, diabetes, cancer, and atherosclerosis. Palmitelaidoyl-CoA has been shown to inhibit oxidative phosphorylation in human cells which has implications for long-chain fatty acid disorders. (PMID: 12538075, 16020546, 16651524, 7662716) |