4Hydroxy2oxoglutarate

**4-Hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate**

4-Hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate is a metabolic intermediate that plays a key role in cellular processes, particularly in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or citric acid cycle. It is derived from α-ketoglutarate, another central metabolite in energy metabolism, through the addition of a hydroxyl group. This modification is typically catalyzed by enzymes such as 4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, which is involved in the biosynthesis of certain amino acids and secondary metabolites.

In plants, 4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate is a precursor in the synthesis of the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA), a critical regulator of stress responses, seed dormancy, and stomatal closure. It also functions in the biosynthesis of polyketides and other specialized metabolites, contributing to plant defense mechanisms and secondary metabolism.

In animals, 4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate is less well-characterized but may participate in specialized pathways, such as those involved in the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters or in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species. It can also serve as a substrate in the formation of hydroxyproline, a hydroxy amino acid essential for collagen synthesis in animals.

This compound is often studied in the context of metabolic engineering, where its presence or modification can influence the production of valuable biochemicals. Its versatility as a metabolic intermediate highlights its importance in both fundamental and applied biochemical research.