The Arabidopsis acyl-CoA oxidase gene family

A family of acyl-CoA oxidase isozymes catalyse the first step in the peroxisomal fatty acid beta -oxidation spiral. Our group and others have recently characterized four genes from this family in the model oilseed Arabidopsis. These genes encode isozymes with different acyl-CoA substrate specificities, which together encompass the full range of fatty acid chain lengths that exist in vivo. Here we review the biochemical properties and physiological roles of the acyl-CoA oxidase isozymes.