3 things needed to synthesize CoA

Name and Discuss at least 3 things needed to synthesize CoA.

Coenzyme A (CoA) is needed for oxidation of fatty acids and pyruvate in the TCA. The elements required for CoA synthesis include pantothenic acid, cysteine, and ATP (1,2).

For cells to synthesize CoA, there is a multi-step process (1,2). First vitamin B5 via pantothenic acid kinase enzyme (PANK) is phosphorylated in a rate limiting step to 4'-phosphopantothenate which requires ATP (1,2).

Then Cysteine is added which again requirs ATP (1,2).

The molecule (minus a carboxyl group) moves into the inner mitochondrial membrane where the molecule is adenylated or AMPylated and then phosphorylated to CoA (1,2). Overall 4 ATP molecules are required (1).

Sources:

1/ Leonardi, R., Jackowski, S., 2007. Biosynthesis of Pantothenic Acid and Coenzyme A. EcoSal Plus 2. https://doi.org/10.1128/ecosalplus.3.6.3.4 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

2/ Gropper et al. Advanced Nutrition in Human Metabolism. 7th Ed. Cengage. 2018.