Background of the antigen
The Cpt1 family of proteins are outer mitochondrial membrane proteins that regulate the entry into, and oxidation of fatty acids by, mitochondria. Malonyl-CoA, an intermediate in fatty acid synthesis, has been implicated as a regulatory component of the energy sensing system that feeds into hypothalmic neurons to impart energy homeostasis. Malonyl-CoA levels in the hypothalamus are dynamically regulated by fasting and feeding, altering subsequent feeding behaviour. Cpt1c, the brain-specific carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase 1, is thought to relay information about malonyl-CoA levels in hypothalamic neurons that express orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides that regulate food intake and peripheral energy expenditure. Unlike other Cpt1 proteins, Cpt1c binds Malonyl-CoA but does not catalyse the transfer of the malonyl group from CoA to carnitine.
