aspartato

Aspartato, also known as aspartate or aspartic acid, is one of the 20 standard amino acids used by cells to synthesize proteins. In physiological conditions it mainly exists as the aspartate anion, a negatively charged species formed by deprotonation of the carboxyl groups. It forms salts such as monosodium aspartate and disodium aspartate, which are used in some food and pharmaceutical applications.

Aspartate is produced primarily by transamination of oxaloacetate via the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase. It participates in amino acid metabolism, nucleotide synthesis, and the urea cycle, where it combines with citrulline to form argininosuccinate, a step involved in ammonia detoxification. In the central nervous system, aspartate can act as an excitatory neurotransmitter, although glutamate serves as the principal excitatory amino acid.

Aspartate is found in proteins across virtually all organisms and is obtained from dietary protein. It is not considered an essential amino acid for humans, but it is required as part of overall metabolism. In addition to its metabolic roles, aspartate and its salts are used as food additives and buffering agents in certain products.