Human Keto Acyl Reductase: Difference between revisions

== Function ==3-Ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase (KAR) catalyses the second step of the mtFAS pathway . Although all the other mtFAS enzymes identified thus far are encoded by single genes, human KAR (HsKAR) is a heterotetrametric α2β2 enzyme formed by two subunits, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 8 (HSD17B8 or KE6, α-subunit) and carbonyl reductase type 4 (CBR4 or SDR45C1, β-subunit)9. HsHSD17B8 is expressed in abundance in the prostate, placenta and kidney, and has been shown to catalyse the reversible oxidation/reduction of steroid molecules in vitro. The physiological roles of HSD17B8 and CBR4 have remained elusive, and information is only available from studies of the respective homotetramers.  

== Disease == There is evidence  for physiologically relevant products of mtFAS in yeast6. Deficiency of mtFAS leads to respiratory chain defects and mitochondrial dysfunction

== Relevance == mtFAS provides the precursor of mitochondrially synthesized α-lipoic acid, a key cofactor for oxidative decarboxylation of α-keto acids and glycine within eukaryotic cells5. There is evidence for other physiologically relevant products of mtFAS in yeast6. Deficiency of mtFAS leads to respiratory chain defects and mitochondrial dysfunction