L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine (L-3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate) is an endogenous quaternary ammonium compound biosynthesised from lysine and methionine in the liver and kidneys, and is an essential cofactor for mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation. It is one of the most extensively studied metabolic compounds in biochemistry, with well-characterised roles in fatty acid transport, energy metabolism, and mitochondrial function. L-Carnitine is supplied here as a research-grade compound for in vitro and preclinical investigation of fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and carnitine-dependent metabolic pathways.

Mechanism of Action

L-Carnitine functions as the obligate carrier molecule for the transport of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters across the inner mitochondrial membrane via the carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1/CPT2) shuttle system. In the cytoplasm, CPT1 catalyses the transfer of the acyl group from acyl-CoA to carnitine, forming acylcarnitine, which is then translocated across the inner mitochondrial membrane by the carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase (CACT). Inside the mitochondrial matrix, CPT2 regenerates acyl-CoA for entry into β-oxidation. Without adequate L-carnitine, long-chain fatty acids cannot enter the mitochondrial matrix for oxidation, leading to cytoplasmic lipid accumulation and impaired energy production. L-Carnitine also modulates the acyl-CoA/CoA ratio, influencing mitochondrial metabolic flexibility and acetyl-CoA availability for the TCA cycle.

Research Applications

• CPT1/CPT2 shuttle system and mitochondrial fatty acid transport studies
• Long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation and mitochondrial bioenergetics research
• Carnitine deficiency, metabolic disease, and lipid accumulation preclinical models
• Acyl-CoA/CoA ratio modulation and mitochondrial metabolic flexibility investigation
• Exercise metabolism, energy expenditure, and skeletal muscle function research

Specifications

• Molecular Formula:  C₇H₁₅NO₃
• Molecular Weight: 161.2 g/mol
• CAS Number: 541-15-1
• Purity: ≥98%
• Form: Lyophilised powder
• Storage: -20°C
• Shelf Life: 24 months

This product is intended for legitimate laboratory and analytical research use only. Not for diagnostic, therapeutic, or consumer use.