What is the Origin of Fatty Acid Desaturase?

The term is a biochemical descriptor, combining "fatty acid" (a component of lipids) with "desaturase" (an enzyme that removes hydrogen atoms to create a double bond, or unsaturation). This enzyme family is central to lipid metabolism, and genetic polymorphisms in the FADS genes are now recognized as important determinants of an individual's fatty acid profile. The discovery of these enzymes clarified the body's capacity to modify dietary fats.

What is the Mechanism of Fatty Acid Desaturase?

The FADS enzymes catalyze a series of sequential reactions that convert shorter, less unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, into the longer, highly unsaturated signaling molecules. These resultant PUFAs are then incorporated into cell membranes, directly influencing the function of membrane-bound hormone receptors and ion channels. They also serve as precursors for eicosanoids, which are powerful, localized signaling molecules that modulate inflammation and cellular hormone sensitivity throughout the body.

Fatty Acid Desaturase ∞ Area

Fatty Acid Desaturase

Meaning

Fatty Acid Desaturase refers to a specific family of enzymes, notably delta-5 and delta-6 desaturases (FADS1 and FADS2), that are essential for introducing double bonds into the hydrocarbon chains of fatty acids. This enzymatic action is the rate-limiting step in the endogenous synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as EPA and DHA, from their dietary precursors. These enzymes are fundamentally important for maintaining the fluidity of cell membranes and producing critical lipid-derived signaling molecules.