Role of acylCoA binding protein in acylCoA transport, metabolism and cell signaling

Long chain acylCoA esters (LCAs) act both as substrates and intermediates in intermediary metabolism and as regulators in various intracellular functions. AcylCoA binding protein (ACBP) binds LCAs with high affinity and is believed to play an important role in intracellular acylCoA transport and pool formation and therefore also for the function of LCAs as metabolites and regulators of cellular functions [1]. The major factors controlling the free concentration of cytosol long chain acylCoA ester (LCA) include ACBP [2], sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) [3] and fatty acid binding protein (FABP) [4]. Additional factors affecting the concentration of free LCA include feed back inhibition of the acylCoA synthetase [5], binding to acylCoA receptors (LCA-regulated molecules and enzymes), binding to membranes and the activity of acylCoA hydrolases [6].