Coenzyme A

Coenzyme A (CoA) is an essential metabolic cofactor synthesized from cysteine, pantothenate, and ATP. CoA plays important roles in many metabolic pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids. One of the main functions of CoA is the carrying and transfer of acyl groups. Acylated deriviates, for example acetyl-CoA, are critical intermediates in many metabolic reactions. CoA levels can be altered during starvation, and in conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and alcoholism.

Coenzyme A can bind acetate (Acetyl-CoA) or other carboxylic acids in an energy-rich binding. It is cofactor of many enzyme-catalysed acetylations, e. g. in the citrate cycle (Krebs cycle). For improving the sensitivity of the luciferase assay, CoA is added to the assay buffer at a concentration of 270 μM (2).