Abstract: Fatty acid synthase (FAS),which is a kind of multi-functional compound enzyme,is the key enzyme in the process of synthesis of fatty acids. Therefore,the content and activity of fatty acid synthase enzyme has the vital significance on the fat acids synthesis and body fat deposition in human and animals. In recently,many researchers have focused on the effects of FAS on the fat deposition and metabolism. This review summarizes the genetic structure characteristics of FAS,FAS regulating energy metabolism and body fat deposition and the effects of diet and hormones on the expression of FAS gene.

Key words: fatty acid synthase (FAS); dietary; expression; regulation