4Hydroxyglutaric

4-Hydroxyglutaric acid is a chemical compound with the formula C5H8O5. It is also known as alpha-hydroxyglutaric acid or 2-hydroxyglutaric acid. This organic acid is a derivative of glutaric acid, featuring a hydroxyl group on the second carbon atom. It exists as a chiral molecule, meaning it has two stereoisomers: (R)-4-hydroxyglutaric acid and (S)-4-hydroxyglutaric acid. These isomers can have different biological activities.

In biological systems, 4-hydroxyglutaric acid is an intermediate in certain metabolic pathways. For instance, it is involved in the metabolism of amino acids like glutamate and glutamine. Its presence and levels can be indicative of various physiological or pathological states. For example, elevated levels of 2-hydroxyglutarate (the deprotonated form) are associated with certain cancers, particularly those involving mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase enzymes. This has led to research into 2-hydroxyglutarate as a potential biomarker for cancer detection and diagnosis. The compound can be synthesized chemically through various organic reactions, and its properties are studied in organic chemistry and biochemistry.