About the structure and biological function of CAR
Structure. Acylcarnitines (CAR) belong to the group of fatty esters within the fatty acyls. Their structure is based on a fatty acid. The carboxyl group of the CAR fatty acid component is linked to an L-carnitine molecule. The hydrocarbon chain of CARs can be of variable length, and may further encompass multiple double bonds, acyl groups, and oxygen containing substituents such as hydroxy and keto groups.
Function. Acylcarnitines are critical to the oxidative metabolism of fatty acids and thus for energy metabolism. Its most important biological function is to transport free fatty acids into the mitochondria where the enzymes of β-oxidation are located. Mitochondrial membrane proteins attach carnitine to a fatty acid to build an acylcarnitine, which is then transported into the mitochondrium for β-oxidation. Further, acylcarnitines can cross the blood-brain barrier and impact brain neurotransmitters.
