GOT2

GOT2, short for glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 2, also called mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (mAAT), is a human gene encoding a mitochondrial enzyme of the aminotransferase family. The enzyme catalyzes the reversible transfer of an amino group between aspartate and α-ketoglutarate to form oxaloacetate and glutamate. It is a pyridoxal phosphate–dependent enzyme located in the mitochondrial matrix and is a component of the malate–aspartate shuttle, a pathway that transfers reducing equivalents from cytosolic NADH into mitochondria for oxidative phosphorylation.

Through this shuttle, GOT2 contributes to cellular energy metabolism and the maintenance of cytosolic NAD+/NADH balance, particularly in tissues with high metabolic activity such as liver, brain, and kidney. GOT2 participates in central carbon and amino acid metabolism and helps link glycolysis to the tricarboxylic acid cycle.

Genetic and clinical aspects: GOT2 is expressed in many tissues. Mutations or dysregulation can contribute to metabolic phenotypes in model organisms; in humans, reported cases are rare and the clinical significance is still being studied. Because GOT2 participates in core metabolism, altered activity can influence amino acid metabolism and redox homeostasis. GOT2 belongs to a gene family that includes GOT1, the cytosolic isoform; both play complementary roles in the malate–aspartate shuttle.

Research and applications: GOT2 is a subject of metabolic research, including cancer biology where mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase activity can affect cellular redox balance and biosynthesis. In clinical settings, measurements of total AST activity in serum reflect liver and other tissue injury and include contributions from the GOT2-encoded enzyme as part of the AST activity assay.