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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Quantification of Coenzyme A in Cells and Tissues

Quantification of Coenzyme A in Cells and Tissues

Published on: September 27, 2019

Coenzyme A: to make it or uptake it?

Ody C M Sibon¹, Erick Strauss²

¹Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.

Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology

|August 25, 2016

Summary

Cells obtain coenzyme A (CoA) through multiple strategies, not just de novo biosynthesis. The intermediate 4'-phosphopantetheine (P-PantSH) acts as a central metabolite in these diverse CoA acquisition pathways.

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Quantification of Coenzyme A in Cells and Tissues

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Published on: September 27, 2019

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A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells

A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells

Published on: April 11, 2014

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Metabolic Pathways

Background:

Intracellular coenzyme A (CoA) was traditionally thought to be solely synthesized via a conserved five-step de novo pathway in the cell cytosol.
Emerging evidence challenges this long-held consensus regarding CoA acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore alternative cellular strategies for obtaining coenzyme A (CoA).
To investigate the role of 4"-phosphopantetheine (P-PantSH) as a key intermediate in CoA metabolism.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on CoA biosynthesis and metabolism.
Analysis of recent experimental data on cellular CoA acquisition.

Main Results:

Evidence suggests cells employ multiple pathways to obtain intracellular CoA.
4'-phosphopantetheine (P-PantSH) functions as a crucial 'nexus' metabolite, linking various CoA sourcing strategies.
Microorganisms may also utilize diverse mechanisms for CoA procurement.

Conclusions:

The cellular acquisition of coenzyme A is more complex than previously understood.
4'-phosphopantetheine (P-PantSH) is central to understanding diverse CoA metabolic networks.
Further research into non-canonical CoA pathways is warranted.