Application

An essential cofactor in enzymatic acetyl transfer reactions.

Acetyl coenzyme A is suitable in CAT reporter assay for the measurement of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase by incubating the cell extract with 0.1 μCi [¹⁴C] chloramphenicol and 0.5mM acetyl-CoA.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Acetyl-CoA is an essential cofactor and carrier of acyl groups in enzymatic acetyl transfer reactions. It is formed either by the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate in mitochondria, by the oxidation of long-chain fatty acids, or by the oxidative degradation of certain amino acids. Acetyl-CoA is the starting compound for the citric acid cycle (Kreb′s cycle). It is also a key precursor in lipid biosynthesis, and the source of all fatty acid carbons. Acetyl-CoA positively regulates the activity pyruvate carboxylase. It is a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Histone acetylases (HAT) use Acetyl-CoA as the donor for the acetyl group use in the post-translational acetylation reactions of histone and non-histone proteins.

Alterations in the gene encoding acetyl-CoA have been linked to Alzheimer′s disease and mild cognitive impairment. Defects in the gene cause myasthenic syndrome associated with episodic apnea.

Other Notes

For more more technical information and a complete list of Coenzyme A deriviatives visit the Acyl Transfer Reagents Resource.

Packaging

10, 25, 100 mg in poly bottle

1, 5 mg in glass bottle

Physical properties

This moisture-sensitive powder should be stored desiccated at −20°C.

Preparation Note

Prepared enzymatically

Reconstitution

Acetyl CoA is soluble in deionized water at 100 mg/mL. Acetyl CoA is stable in neutral and moderately acidic solutions but will hydrolyze in alkaline and strongly acidic solutions. Aqueous solutions stored in single-use aliquots are stable for up to two weeks at −20°C and up to 6 months at −80°C.