The protein encoded by this gene belongs to a family of acyl coenzyme A synthetase proteins, which convert long chain fatty acids to acyl CoA products via an ATP-dependent pathway. This enzyme is enriched in heart, liver and adipose tissue, where it functions in lipid synthesis and mitochondrial and peroxisomal beta-oxidation. In addition, it is expressed in monocytes and macrophages where it appears to have a functionally distinct role in mediating inflammatory and innate immune responses. A pseudogene of this gene is found on chromosome 5. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2014]