Omega oxidation

The ω - oxidation is a special variant of the fatty acid oxidation ( β - oxidation). Here, a carboxyl group is introduced at the C- atom ( Cω ) a fatty acid having a medium chain length ( 10-12 carbon atoms), which is remote from the initially present carboxy most. The resultant dicarboxylic acid is then further metabolized.

In vertebrate (including humans ), the initial reaction in the endoplasmic reticulum of the liver or kidney cells is carried out, the following oxidation to the carboxylic acid on the other hand takes place in the cytoplasm.

Biochemistry

The introduction of a carboxyl group requires several steps:

The ensuing dicarboxylic acid is esterified with coenzyme A to both sides. This is subsequently broken down in the β - oxidation in the mitochondria of a shorter- dicarboxylic acid. This results in either succinic acid ( succinate, C4) or adipic acid ( C6). This process can, however, also occur in the peroxisomes.

Importance

With respect to the fatty acid degradation by β - oxidation, the normal ω - oxidation does play a minor role, but if the former can not drain properly, obtains the ω - oxidation of greater importance.