Catalyzes the synthesis of acetyl-CoA from short-chain fatty acids . Acetate is the preferred substrate . Can also utilize propionate with a much lower affinity (By similarity). Provides acetyl-CoA that is utilized mainly for oxidation under ketogenic conditions (By similarity). Involved in thermogenesis under ketogenic conditions, using acetate as a vital fuel when carbohydrate availability is insufficient (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Mitochondrion matrix