[Stearoyl-CoA desaturase in the control of metabolic homeostasis]

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is a regulatory enzyme in lipogenesis, catalyzing the rate-limiting step in the overall de novo synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleate and palmitoleate from staroyl- and palmitoyl-CoA, respectively. These products are the most abundant monounsaturated fatty acids in various kinds of lipids, including phospholipids, triglicerides, cholesteryl esters, wax esters, and diacyloglycerols. SCD1 deficiency results in reduced body adiposity, increased insulin sensitivity, and resistance to diet-induced obesity. Recent studies have shown that SCD1 plays also a significant role, directly or indirectly, in the regulation of diverse metabolic processes, including lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, insulin signaling, thermogenesis, carcinogenesis, and inflammation. This review summarize the recent advances concerning the important role of SCD in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis.