stearyl-CoA desaturase

ste·a·ryl-CoA de·sat·ur·ase

a protein complex that is key in the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids; it introduces a double bond at Δ9; high dietary levels of unsaturated fatty acids decrease this enzyme's activity in the liver; a number of agents will induce this enzyme (for example, insulin, hydrocortisone, and triiodothyronine).