The SLC25A20 gene provides instructions for making a protein called carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase (CACT). This protein is essential for fatty acid oxidation, a multistep process that breaks down (metabolizes) fats and converts them into energy. Fatty acid oxidation takes place within mitochondria, which are the energy-producing centers in cells. A group of fats called long-chain fatty acids must be attached to a substance known as carnitine to enter mitochondria. Once these fatty acids are joined with carnitine, the CACT protein transports them into mitochondria. Carnitine is then removed from the long-chain fatty acid and transported back out of mitochondria by the CACT protein. Fatty acids are a major source of energy for the heart and muscles. During periods of fasting, fatty acids are also an important energy source for the liver and other tissues.
Other Names
CAC; CACT; carnitine-acylcarnitine carrier; carnitine/acylcarnitine translocase; MCAT_HUMAN; solute carrier family 25 (carnitine/acylcarnitine translocase), member 20
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 788
- OMIM: 613698
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
