FAO supports mitochondrial function and integrity. (A) FAO supports Krebs cycle activity, electron transport, fatty acid synthesis (FAS), generation of reduced NAD phosphate (NADPH; antioxidant defense), and mitochondrial integrity in leukemia cells, resulting in an antiapoptotic phenotype. (B) Exposure to ST1326 inhibits FAO, Krebs cycle activity, FAS, and the generation of antioxidant defenses, compromising mitochondrial function. Additionally, accumulation of free palmitate perturbs mitochondrial membrane integrity (low ΔΨ_m), resulting in a proapoptotic phenotype that may be exacerbated by increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).