Pantothenic Acid

Question 1

What are the major functions of pantothenic acid?

Answer 1

Synthesis of CoA and Cellular Metabolism, specifically:

1) Beta-oxidation of FAs
2) FA & Cholesterol biosynthesis
3) BCAA catabolism
4) Conversion of serotonin to melatonin
5) Most soluble protein are acetylated
6) Acetylation of histones (allows DNA to become less tightly coiled and unfolded, allowing for DNA transcription)

Question 2

How is pantothenic acid transported?

Answer 2

Via RBCs

Question 3

How and where is pantothenic acid stored?

Answer 3

CoA form

40% in muscle
10% in liver
10% in intestines

Question 4

What are the two key reactions for CoA?

Answer 4

ACETYL-COA —> MALONYL-COA (requiring ATP, acetyl-CoA carboxylase; is the rate-limiting step in FA biosynthesis)

SEROTONIN –**–> N-Acetylserotonin —> MELATONIN
**= requires acetyl-CoA (connected to SAM pathway)

Question 5

What enzyme is involved in acetolation?

Answer 5

histone acetyltransferase