The acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase (AACS) gene encodes a protein of the same name, which converts acetoacetate to acetoacetyl-CoA, and plays a crucial role in ketone body utilization and fatty acid synthesis. The gene is found on human chromosome 12.
The AACS protein is a member of the acetyl-CoA synthetase family and is involved in cellular energy production, ketogenesis, and cholesterol synthesis.[5] It is expressed in a wide range of human tissues.[6]
The protein's function is regulated transcriptionally by sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ).[7]