Myristoyl coenzyme A (myristoyl-CoA) is a derivative of CoA that contains the long-chain fatty acid myristic acid . It is a substrate for N-myristoyltransferase during myristoylation, a process that adds a myristoyl group to proteins either during translation to modify protein activity or post-translationally in apoptotic cells. It is also a substrate in the de novo synthesis of phosphatidylinositol .

Myristoyl coenzyme A lithium, a compound marked by lithium in its myristoylated form, plays a crucial role in the biochemical mechanism of myristoylation, essential for both viral functionalities and tumor growth in colon epithelial cells. This process is predominantly governed by N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), which exhibits increased activity in colon epithelial tumors compared to normal cells. The activity of NMT is significantly influenced by the reduction of coenzyme A (CoA), a vital regulator that enhances NMT's ability to induce myristoylation, unlike its oxidized form which impedes this process. Consequently, Myristoyl coenzyme A serves as an inhibitor to the demyristoylation activity, showcasing its potential as an anticancer and antiviral agent.