aspartate catabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of aspartate, the anion derived from aspartic acid, 2-aminobutanedioic acid. [GOC:go_curators, ISBN:0198506732]

Aspartate catabolic process is a fundamental metabolic pathway that breaks down the amino acid aspartate, generating energy and essential metabolic intermediates. The process involves a series of enzymatic reactions, primarily occurring in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.

The first step involves the deamination of aspartate by the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase, converting aspartate into oxaloacetate. This reaction also generates glutamate, which can be further utilized in other metabolic pathways.

Oxaloacetate is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle. Here, it enters the cycle and undergoes a series of reactions, leading to the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of cells. Additionally, the cycle produces reducing equivalents in the form of NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and FADH2 (flavin adenine dinucleotide), which are used in oxidative phosphorylation to generate more ATP.

The aspartate catabolic process is tightly regulated and integrated with other metabolic pathways. It plays a critical role in amino acid metabolism, providing carbon skeletons for gluconeogenesis (the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and supplying intermediates for the citric acid cycle. Furthermore, it contributes to nitrogen excretion through the urea cycle.

In summary, the aspartate catabolic process is a central metabolic pathway that links amino acid catabolism to energy production and other essential metabolic processes.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (30)