Part:BBa_K4989006

Butyryl-CoA:Acetyl-CoA transferase (ButCoaT)

The primary function of Butyryl-CoA:Acetyl-CoA transferase is to facilitate the transfer of the acetyl group from butyryl-CoA to coenzyme A (CoA). This process results in the formation of acetyl-CoA, which is a crucial molecule in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) and oxidative phosphorylation, two central pathways of energy production in the cell. By converting butyryl-CoA into acetyl-CoA, this enzyme allows the cell to harness the energy stored in fatty acids more efficiently. This enzyme is particularly significant for individuals on diets rich in medium-chain triglycerides and for those with certain metabolic disorders, as it helps ensure the efficient utilization of these fatty acids for energy. Butyryl-CoA:Acetyl-CoA transferase, often referred to as Butyryl-CoA transferase, is an enzyme found in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Its role in bacteria is primarily associated with metabolic pathways related to fatty acid degradation, energy production, and the catabolism of various carbon sources. In the human gastrointestinal tract, the enzyme plays a role in the microbial fermentation of dietary fibers and complex carbohydrates. Certain bacteria in the gut produce short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which have important implications for gut health and host physiology. The expression of genes encoding Butyryl-CoA:Acetyl-CoA transferase in bacteria is regulated in response to the availability of specific carbon sources. The presence of medium-chain fatty acids or other substrates can trigger the upregulation of genes encoding this enzyme, allowing bacteria to adapt to their nutritional environment. Bacteria often encounter fatty acids in their environment, either through the breakdown of complex lipids or as an energy source. Butyryl-CoA:Acetyl-CoA transferase is essential for the degradation of medium-chain fatty acids, typically consisting of four to six carbon atoms. It converts butyryl-CoA, a product of fatty acid degradation, into acetyl-CoA, which can then enter various metabolic pathways for ATP generation.

The reaction is shown below: Butanoyl-CoA + Acetate <=> Butanoic acid + Acetyl-CoA

Sequence and Features

Assembly Compatibility:

• 10
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[10]
• 12
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[12]
• 21
  INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[21]

  Illegal BglII site found at 714
  
• 23
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[23]
• 25
  INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[25]

  Illegal AgeI site found at 888
  
• 1000
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[1000]