Background information
Acyl-CoA thioesterases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of acyl-CoAs to the free fatty acid and coenzyme A (CoASH), providing the potential to regulate intracellular levels of acyl-CoAs, free fatty acids and CoASH. Acyl-coenzyme A Thioesterase 8, also known as ACOT8 may mediate Nef-induced down-regulation of CD4. It is a major thioesterase in peroxisomes and competes with BAAT (Bile acid CoA: amino acid N-acyltransferase) for bile acid-CoA substrate (such as chenodeoxycholoyl-CoA). It shows a preference for medium-length fatty acyl-CoAs and may be involved in the metabolic regulation of peroxisome proliferation.