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Oxaloacetate is a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid that plays a crucial role in metabolism. It is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle, a central pathway for the generation of energy in aerobic organisms. In this cycle, oxaloacetate is condensed with acetyl-CoA to form citrate, and it is regenerated at the end of the cycle, allowing the process to continue.

Beyond its role in the citric acid cycle, oxaloacetate is involved in gluconeogenesis, the process by which glucose is synthesized from non-carbohydrate precursors. It is also a key molecule in amino acid metabolism, participating in both the synthesis and degradation of certain amino acids. Furthermore, oxaloacetate can be converted to malate, another important metabolic intermediate.

The concentration of oxaloacetate within cells is tightly regulated to ensure proper metabolic flow. Its production and consumption are influenced by the energy status of the cell and the availability of substrates. Imbalances in oxaloacetate metabolism can have significant physiological consequences. It is also a component in some dietary supplements, though its absorption and efficacy in this context are subjects of ongoing research.