Role of acyl-CoA binding protein in acyl-CoA metabolism and acyl-CoA-mediated cell signaling.

Long-chain acyl-CoA esters (LCA) act both as substrates and intermediates in metabolism and as regulators of various intracellular functions. Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) binds LCA with high affinity and is believed to play an important role in intracellular acyl-CoA transport and pool formation and therefore also for the function of LCA as metabolites and regulators of cellular functions . The free concentration of cytosolic LCA is efficiently buffered to low nanomole concentration by ACBP and fatty acid binding protein (FABP). An additional important factor is the activity of acyl-CoA hydrolases. The estimated cellular free LCA concentration is two to four orders of magnitude lower than the concentrations reported to be necessary to regulate most LCA-affected cellular functions. Preliminary evidence indicates that the regulatory effect of LCA might be mediated by the LCA/ACBP complex.