Page last updated: 2024-10-24

pyruvate metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving pyruvate, 2-oxopropanoate. [GOC:go_curators]

Pyruvate metabolism is a fundamental biological process that plays a central role in cellular energy production and various metabolic pathways. It encompasses a series of enzymatic reactions that interconvert pyruvate, a key metabolic intermediate, with other molecules, such as glucose, lactate, and acetyl-CoA. Pyruvate is generated through glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose, and serves as a crucial link between carbohydrate metabolism and other metabolic pathways.

In the presence of oxygen, pyruvate enters the mitochondria, where it is converted to acetyl-CoA by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Acetyl-CoA then enters the citric acid cycle, a key metabolic pathway that generates ATP, the main energy currency of the cell. This process is known as aerobic respiration.

Under anaerobic conditions, when oxygen is limited, pyruvate is converted to lactate by lactate dehydrogenase. This process is known as anaerobic fermentation and allows the regeneration of NAD+, a crucial electron carrier for glycolysis. Lactate can be transported to the liver, where it is converted back to glucose through the Cori cycle.

Pyruvate metabolism is also involved in gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, such as amino acids and glycerol. This process is essential for maintaining blood glucose levels during fasting or starvation.

Moreover, pyruvate is a precursor for the biosynthesis of various molecules, including amino acids, fatty acids, and heme.

In summary, pyruvate metabolism is a highly regulated and interconnected process that is essential for cellular energy production, metabolic interconversions, and the biosynthesis of various molecules. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular function and homeostasis.'
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Proteins (3)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
NADP-dependent malic enzyme, mitochondrialAn NADP-dependent malic enzyme, mitochondrial that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q16798]Homo sapiens (human)
L-lactate dehydrogenase B chainAn L-lactate dehydrogenase B chain that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P07195]Homo sapiens (human)
L-lactate dehydrogenase A chainAn L-lactate dehydrogenase A chain that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P00338]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (20)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
malonic aciddicarboxylic acid : Any carboxylic acid containing two carboxy groups.

malonic acid : An alpha,omega-dicarboxylic acid in which the two carboxy groups are separated by a single methylene group.
alpha,omega-dicarboxylic acidhuman metabolite
oxamic acidoxamic acid : A dicarboxylic acid monoamide resulting from the formal condensation of one of the carboxy groups of oxalic acid with ammonia.

Oxamic Acid: Amino-substituted glyoxylic acid derivative.
dicarboxylic acid monoamideEscherichia coli metabolite
succinic acidsuccinic acid : An alpha,omega-dicarboxylic acid resulting from the formal oxidation of each of the terminal methyl groups of butane to the corresponding carboxy group. It is an intermediate metabolite in the citric acid cycle.

Succinic Acid: A water-soluble, colorless crystal with an acid taste that is used as a chemical intermediate, in medicine, the manufacture of lacquers, and to make perfume esters. It is also used in foods as a sequestrant, buffer, and a neutralizing agent. (Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12th ed, p1099; McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed, p1851)
alpha,omega-dicarboxylic acid;
C4-dicarboxylic acid
anti-ulcer drug;
fundamental metabolite;
micronutrient;
nutraceutical;
radiation protective agent
gossypolGossypol: A dimeric sesquiterpene found in cottonseed (GOSSYPIUM). The (-) isomer is active as a male contraceptive (CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, MALE) whereas toxic symptoms are associated with the (+) isomer.
guanidine hydrochlorideone-carbon compound;
organic chloride salt
protein denaturant
adenosine monophosphateAdenosine Monophosphate: Adenine nucleotide containing one phosphate group esterified to the sugar moiety in the 2'-, 3'-, or 5'-position.adenosine 5'-phosphate;
purine ribonucleoside 5'-monophosphate
adenosine A1 receptor agonist;
cofactor;
EC 3.1.3.1 (alkaline phosphatase) inhibitor;
EC 3.1.3.11 (fructose-bisphosphatase) inhibitor;
fundamental metabolite;
micronutrient;
nutraceutical
1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid : A naphthoic acid with the carboxy group at position 2 and carrying a hydroxy substituent at the 1-position. It is a xenobiotic metabolite produced by the biodegradation of phenanthrene by microorganisms.

1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid: RN given refers to parent cpd
hydroxy monocarboxylic acid;
naphthoic acid;
naphthols
bacterial xenobiotic metabolite;
fungal xenobiotic metabolite
dronabinolDelta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol : A diterpenoid that is 6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene substituted at position 1 by a hydroxy group, positions 6, 6 and 9 by methyl groups and at position 3 by a pentyl group. The principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant, it is used for treatment of anorexia associated with AIDS as well as nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.

Dronabinol: A psychoactive compound extracted from the resin of Cannabis sativa (marihuana, hashish). The isomer delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is considered the most active form, producing characteristic mood and perceptual changes associated with this compound.
benzochromene;
diterpenoid;
phytocannabinoid;
polyketide
cannabinoid receptor agonist;
epitope;
hallucinogen;
metabolite;
non-narcotic analgesic
cannabichromene1-benzopyran
delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinolic acidDelta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid : A diterpenoid that is 6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene substituted at position 1 by a hydroxy group, positions 6, 6 and 9 by methyl groups and at position 3 by a pentyl group. A biosynthetic precursor to Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant.benzochromene;
diterpenoid;
hydroxy monocarboxylic acid;
phytocannabinoid;
polyketide
anti-inflammatory agent;
biomarker;
metabolite;
neuroprotective agent
gossylic nitrile-1,1'-diacetategossylic nitrile-1,1'-diacetate: inhibits human immunodeficiency virus Type I replication; structure given in first source
fumaric acidfumaric acid : A butenedioic acid in which the C=C double bond has E geometry. It is an intermediate metabolite in the citric acid cycle.

fumaric acid: see also record for ferrous fumarate; use FUMARATES for general fumaric acid esters
butenedioic acidfood acidity regulator;
fundamental metabolite;
geroprotector
cannabidiolcannabidiol : An cannabinoid that is cyclohexene which is substituted by a methyl group at position 1, a 2,6-dihydroxy-4-pentylphenyl group at position 3, and a prop-1-en-2-yl group at position 4.

Cannabidiol: Compound isolated from Cannabis sativa extract.
olefinic compound;
phytocannabinoid;
resorcinols
antimicrobial agent;
plant metabolite
rutinHydroxyethylrutoside: Monohydroxyethyl derivative of rutin. Peripheral circulation stimulant used in treatment of venous disorders.disaccharide derivative;
quercetin O-glucoside;
rutinoside;
tetrahydroxyflavone
antioxidant;
metabolite
3-dihydroxy-6-methyl-7-(phenylmethyl)-4-propylnaphthalene-1-carboxylic acid3-dihydroxy-6-methyl-7-(phenylmethyl)-4-propylnaphthalene-1-carboxylic acid: inhibits lactate dehydrogenase A
adenosine monophosphateadenosine 5'-monophosphate(2-) : A nucleoside 5'-monophosphate(2-) that results from the removal of two protons from the phosphate group of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP).nucleoside 5'-monophosphate(2-)cofactor;
fundamental metabolite;
human metabolite
methyl 1-hydroxy-6-phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1h-indole-2-carboxylatemethyl 1-hydroxy-6-phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylate: inhibits lactate dehydrogenase A; structure in first source
galloflavingalloflavin: structure in first source
gossylic iminolactonegossylic iminolactone: inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type I replication; structure given in first source
gossylic lactonegossylic lactone: inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type I replication; structure given in first source