This gene encodes a member of the acyl-CoA thioesterase family which catalyse the conversion of activated fatty acids to the corresponding non-esterified fatty acid and coenzyme A. Expression of a mouse homolog in brown adipose tissue is induced by low temperatures and repressed by warm temperatures. Higher levels of expression of the mouse homolog has been found in obesity-resistant mice compared with obesity-prone mice, suggesting a role of acyl-CoA thioesterase 11 in obesity. Alternative splicing results in transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2010].
Adams, Chui, Schilbach, Yu, Goddard, Grimaldi, Lee, Dowd, Colman, Lewin: "BFIT, a unique acyl-CoA thioesterase induced in thermogenic brown adipose tissue: cloning, organization of the human gene and assessment of a potential link to obesity." in: The Biochemical journal, Vol. 360, Issue Pt 1, pp. 135-42, (2001) (PubMed).