Coenzyme A, Free acid

Coenzyme A (CoA) is a ubiquitous and essential cofactor required for the metabolism, proliferation, and survival of all living cells.¹ ² CoA participates in ~4–9% of known enzymatic reactions and over 100 biochemical transformations.¹ ³ ⁴ ⁵ Structurally, CoA acts as an acyl group carrier, using its high-energy thioester bond to activate carboxylic acids in central pathways such as the TCA cycle and fatty acid metabolism.¹ ⁴ ⁵ CoA also provides 4′-phosphopantetheine, a prosthetic group required for carrier proteins in fatty acid, polyketide, and nonribosomal peptide biosynthesis.¹

 

Applications

 

Coenzyme A functions as a central acyl carrier in energy metabolism, including the TCA cycle and fatty acid metabolism, and its acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio regulates growth, autophagy, and cell death.¹ ² CoA is required for biosynthetic pathways involving fatty acids, polyketides, and nonribosomal peptides, and contributes to the synthesis of key biomolecules such as acetylcholine, heme, and melatonin.¹ ⁵ Clinically, CoA and pantethine are used to treat dyslipidemia by enhancing fatty acid oxidation and modulating cholesterol metabolism.⁵ Its biosynthetic pathway is also a target for antimicrobial drug development.³ Under stress, CoA-mediated protein CoAlation protects proteins from oxidative damage and regulates enzyme activity.⁴

 

Other available forms

 

Coenzyme A, Trilithium salt

Coenzyme A, Sodium salt