ACSM4: The Potential Drug Target for Synthesis and Metabolism

Target Name: ACSM4

NCBI ID: G341392

Other Name(s): Acyl-CoA synthetase medium-chain family member 4 | ACSM4_HUMAN | acyl-CoA synthetase medium chain family member 4 | Acyl-CoA synthetase medium chain family member 4 | Acyl-coenzyme A synthetase ACSM4, mitochondrial

ACSM4: The Potential Drug Target for Synthesis and Metabolism

The acyl-coa synthetase (AS) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are vital for various cellular processes. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are a subgroup of EFAs that are derived from the AS and have unique properties due to their unusual chain length. One of the AS is ACSM4, which has been identified as a potential drug target or biomarker. This article will discuss the structure, function, and potential clinical applications of ACSM4.

Structure and Function

ACSM4 is a single-chain protein with 21 amino acid residues. It has a distinct N-terminal transmembrane domain and a catalytic C-terminus that is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids. The catalytic domain is responsible for the formation of the key step in the synthesis of MCFAs, the 2-step critical rate step (2CRS) that is critical for the rapidity and efficiency of the synthesis.

The 2CRS is a critical region that involves a series of substrate-binding interactions, which are crucial for the catalytic activity of ACSM4. This region includes a nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NBO), a substrate-binding loop, and a 尾-sheet that is involved in the structural stability of the 2CRS.

ACSM4 functions as a natural catalyst for the synthesis of MCFAs from fatty acids, including lauric acid, capric acid, and 1,2-di-acylglycerol (DAG). The 2CRS is the rate-limiting step in the synthesis, and ACSM4 has been shown to enhance the rate of the 2CRS, which is responsible for the majority of the synthetic rate.

ACSM4 has been shown to have both physiological and pathological roles. In the physiological context, ACSM4 is involved in the synthesis of essential fatty acids, which are vital for cellular processes such as neuronal communication, nerve growth, and brain development. In addition, ACSM4 is involved in the synthesis of arachidonic acid, which is a pro-inflammatory compound that plays a role in inflammation and immune response.

In the pathological context, ACSM4 has been implicated in various diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The synthesis of MCFAs is a critical step in the pathogenesis of these diseases, and ACSM4 has been shown to be involved in the development and progression of these conditions.

Potential Clinical Applications

The potential clinical applications of ACSM4 are vast and span across various therapeutic areas. As a drug target, ACSM4 has the potential to treat various diseases that are characterized by the over-production or dysfunction of MCFAs.

1. Obesity: The production of MCFAs is a critical step in the development and progression of obesity, and ACSM4 has been shown to be involved in the synthesis of abdominal fat. Therefore, targeting ACSM4 with drugs that inhibit its function could be a potential therapy for obesity.

2. Type 2 Diabetes: The production of MCFAs is also a critical step in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, targeting ACSM4 with drugs that inhibit its function could be a potential therapy for this disease.

3. Cardiovascular Disease: The production of MCFAs is also a critical step in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, targeting ACSM4 with drugs that inhibit its function could be a potential therapy for this disease.

4. Inflammation: The production of MCFAs is also involved in the development and progression of inflammation, and ACSM4 has

Protein Name: Acyl-CoA Synthetase Medium Chain Family Member 4

Functions: Catalyzes the activation of fatty acids by CoA to produce an acyl-CoA, the first step in fatty acid metabolism (By similarity). Capable of activating medium-chain fatty acids with a preference for C6-12 fatty acids (By similarity)

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