aspart

Aspart is a term sometimes used as a shorthand for aspartic acid or its conjugate base, aspartate. In biochemistry, aspartic acid is one of the 20 standard amino acids and is incorporated into proteins in the translation process. Its neutral form has the structure HOOC-CH2-CH(NH2)-COOH; at physiological pH, the side chain tends to be deprotonated, giving aspartate its acidic character.

In metabolism, aspartate plays several roles. It is formed by transamination of oxaloacetate and serves as a nitrogen-containing precursor in the biosynthesis of nucleotides, particularly pyrimidines. It participates in the malate-aspartate shuttle, which facilitates transfer of reducing equivalents across the mitochondrial membrane. In the nervous system, aspartate can act as an excitatory neurotransmitter in certain synapses, although it is less prominent than glutamate.

Genetically, aspartic acid is encoded by the codons GAU and GAC, and its standard three-letter and one-letter codes are Asp and D, respectively. In proteins, aspartate residues contribute to catalytic activity, metal binding, and electrostatic interactions essential for structure and function.

Aspart is sometimes marketed in its L-form as a dietary supplement and may appear as salts used in nutrition and fortification. As with other amino acids, typical dietary intake is safe within normal ranges; evidence for specific therapeutic benefits of supplemental aspartate is limited and not universally accepted.

See also: aspartate, aspartame, amino acids.