ACAT-1 (acetyl-Coenzyme A acetyltransferase 1) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in the formation and degradation of ketone bodies and is necessary for the proper metabolic processing of isoleucine. Rare defects in the gene encoding ACAT-1 lead to β-ketothiolase deficiency, which is characterized by ketoacidotic attacks. ACAT-2 (acetyl-Coenzyme A acetyltransferase 2) is considered a cytosolic protein and is crucial for cholesterol synthesis. Specifically, both Acetoacetyl-CoA specific thiolases, ACAT-1 and ACAT-2 catalyze the formation of acetoacetyl-CoA from two acetyl-CoA molecules. These enzymes are also capable of the reverse reaction, the cleavage of acetoacetyl-CoA into two acetyl-CoA molecules.
