Conversion of Glycine to Fatty Acids by Adipose Tissue.

Abstract

SummaryEpididymal adipose tissue was incubated with glycine-1-C14, glycine-2-C14, glyoxylate-1,2-C14, sarcosine-1-C14 and malate-1-C14; CO2 and fatty acids were isolated and analyzed for radioactivity. Glycine-1-C14 was converted to labeled fatty acids to a greater extent than glycine-2-C14. Radioactive acetate, propionate, glyoxylate and succinate were recovered as intermediate products of glycine metabolism. Addition of unlabeled acetate, propionate and glyoxylate reduced conversion of C14-glycine to fatty acids. Results show that glycine can be a precursor in the biosynthesis of fatty acids in adipose tissue. The path of conversion of glycine to fatty acids is discussed.