Scientists Discover How a Key Metabolic Molecule Reaches Cell Powerhouses

Researchers at Yale University have uncovered how a vital molecule derived from vitamin B5 reaches mitochondria—the energy-producing structures within cells—solving a long-standing biological question. The findings, published in Nature Metabolism, provide new insight into cellular metabolism and disease.

The molecule, coenzyme A (CoA), is essential for metabolic processes and is highly concentrated in mitochondria. However, scientists previously did not understand how it entered these structures. The study reveals that CoA is transported into mitochondria through specialized cellular transport systems.

Using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, researchers identified multiple forms of CoA within cells and confirmed that most of it is imported rather than produced inside mitochondria.

This discovery is significant because disruptions in CoA transport are linked to conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic diseases, offering potential pathways for future treatments.

16-03-2026