EDC4 interacts with and regulates the dephospho-CoA kinase activity of CoA synthase

Coenzyme A synthase (CoAsy) is a bifunctional Enzyme which facilitates the last two steps of Coenzyme A biogenesis in higher eukaryotes. Here we describe that CoAsy forms a complex with enhancer of mRNA-decapping protein 4 (EDC4), a central scaffold component of processing bodies. CoAsy/EDC4 complex formation is regulated by growth factors and is affected by cellular stresses. EDC4 strongly inhibits the dephospho-CoA kinase activity of CoAsy in vitro. Transient overexpression of EDC4 decreases cell proliferation, and further co-expression of CoAsy diminishes this effect. Here we report that EDC4 might contribute to regulation of CoA biosynthesis in addition to its scaffold function in processing bodies.