Role of fatty acid binding protein in the modulation of inhibitory effect of fatty acids on fatty acid synthase and ATP-citrate lyase in developing human brain.

Inhibition of the activities of fatty acid synthase and ATP-citrate lyase (ATP-CL) by fatty acids and their CoA esters has been studied. Purified fatty acid binding protein from human fetal brain reverses this inhibition. This protein also activates the enzyme when added alone. ATP-citrate lyase and fatty acid synthase activity gradually increased with the advancement of gestation showing a relationship between high demand of fatty acid synthesis in developing brain and supply of its precursors.