Genetically Altered Expression of Spermidine/Spermine N1-Acetyltransferase Affects Fat Metabolism in Mice via Acetyl-CoA

The study investigated the effects of genetically altered expression of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) on fat metabolism in mice, revealing that SSAT overexpression led to a lean phenotype with increased glucose and fatty acid oxidation, while SSAT knock-out mice showed increased body fat and reduced oxidation rates. These changes were linked to alterations in acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA levels, suggesting that SSAT modulated fat metabolism by influencing acetyl-CoA availability. The study involved more than 25 animals per group, providing robust data and highlighting a potential link between polyamine metabolism and obesity control.