Oxaloacetát

Oxaloacetát is a critical four-carbon dicarboxylic acid that plays a central role in cellular metabolism. It is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle, where it condenses with acetyl-CoA to initiate the cycle. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme citrate synthase. Oxaloacetát is regenerated at the end of the citric acid cycle, completing the cyclical process.

Beyond its function in energy production, oxaloacetát is involved in gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors. It is also a key component in the urea cycle, a pathway for the detoxification of ammonia. Furthermore, oxaloacetát is a precursor for the synthesis of certain amino acids, including aspartate and asparagine. The balance of oxaloacetát levels is tightly regulated to ensure proper metabolic function. Its interconversion with malate through the enzyme malate dehydrogenase is particularly important for shuttling reducing equivalents across the mitochondrial membrane. Dysregulation of oxaloacetát metabolism has been implicated in various physiological and pathological conditions.