Coenzyme A (CoA) is essential for metabolism and protein acetylation. Current knowledge holds that each cell obtains CoA exclusively through biosynthesis via the canonical five-step pathway, starting with pantothenate uptake. However, recent studies have suggested the presence of additional CoA-generating mechanisms, indicating a more complex system for CoA homeostasis. Here, we uncovered pathways for CoA generation through inter-organismal flows of CoA precursors. Using traceable compounds and fruit flies with a genetic block in CoA biosynthesis, we demonstrate that progeny survive embryonal and early larval development by obtaining CoA precursors from maternal sources. Later in life, the microbiome can provide the essential CoA building blocks to the host, enabling continuation of normal development. A flow of stable, long-lasting CoA precursors between living organisms is revealed. This indicates the presence of complex strategies to maintain CoA homeostasis.

辅酶 A (CoA) 对新陈代谢和蛋白质乙酰化至关重要。目前的知识认为，每个细胞仅通过经典的五步途径通过生物合成获得 CoA，从泛酸摄取开始。然而，最近的研究表明存在额外的 CoA 生成机制，表明 CoA 稳态的系统更为复杂。在这里，我们发现了通过 CoA 前体的组织间流动产生 CoA 的途径。在 CoA 生物合成中使用具有遗传块的可追溯化合物和果蝇，我们证明通过从母体来源获得 CoA 前体，后代在胚胎和早期幼虫发育中存活。在生命后期，微生物组可以为宿主提供必要的 CoA 构建块，从而能够继续正常发育。稳定的流动，揭示了生物体之间持久的 CoA 前体。这表明存在维持 CoA 稳态的复杂策略。