Functional characterization of thioesterase superfamily member 1/Acyl-CoA thioesterase 11: implications for metabolic regulation

Thioesterase superfamily member 1 (Them1; synonyms acyl-CoA thioesterase 11 and StarD14) is highly expressed in brown adipose tissue and limits energy expenditure in mice. Them1 is a putative fatty acyl-CoA thioesterase that comprises tandem hot dog-fold thioesterase domains and a lipid-binding C-terminal steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-related lipid transfer (START) domain. To better define its role in metabolic regulation, this study examined the biochemical and enzymatic properties of Them1. Purified recombinant Them1 dimerized in solution to form an active fatty acyl-CoA thioesterase. Dimerization was induced by fatty acyl-CoAs, coenzyme A (CoASH), ATP, and ADP. Them1 hydrolyzed a range of fatty acyl-CoAs but exhibited a relative preference for long-chain molecular species. Thioesterase activity varied inversely with temperature, was stimulated by ATP, and was inhibited by ADP and CoASH. Whereas the thioesterase domains of Them1 alone were sufficient to yield active recombinant protein, the START domain was required for optimal enzyme activity. An analysis of subcellular fractions from mouse brown adipose tissue and liver revealed that Them1 contributes principally to the fatty acyl-CoA thioesterase activity of microsomes and nuclei. These findings suggest that under biological conditions, Them1 functions as a lipid-regulated fatty acyl-CoA thioesterase that could be targeted for the management of metabolic disorders.-Han, S., and D. E. Cohen. Functional characterization of thioesterase superfamily member 1/Acyl-CoA thioesterase 11: implications for metabolic regulation. J. Lipid Res. 2012. 53: 2620-2631.