alfaketoglutaraatti

Alpha-ketoglutarate, often abbreviated as AKG, is a molecule that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. It is an alpha-keto acid that is a derivative of glutaric acid. In the human body, alpha-ketoglutarate is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle. This cycle is a central pathway for energy production in aerobic organisms, where it helps to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to generate ATP, the main energy currency of cells.

Alpha-ketoglutarate is also involved in nitrogen metabolism. It can accept amino groups from amino acids through a process called transamination, thereby becoming glutamate. This interconversion is vital for the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids, as well as for the removal of excess nitrogen from the body. Furthermore, AKG is a precursor for the synthesis of several important biomolecules, including certain amino acids and neurotransmitters. Its production and consumption are tightly regulated to maintain metabolic homeostasis. In recent years, alpha-ketoglutarate has also been investigated for its potential roles in various physiological processes, including aging and exercise performance, though much of this research is still in its early stages.