glutamate catabolic process to aspartate

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of glutamate into other compounds, including aspartate. [GOC:go_curators]

The glutamate catabolic process to aspartate is a central pathway in amino acid metabolism, playing a crucial role in neurotransmitter recycling and energy production. It involves the following steps:

1. **Transamination:** Glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, undergoes transamination with oxaloacetate, catalyzed by the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST). This reaction converts glutamate to α-ketoglutarate and oxaloacetate to aspartate.

2. **α-Ketoglutarate Dehydrogenase Complex:** The α-ketoglutarate produced in step 1 enters the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, a key metabolic pathway for energy production. Within the TCA cycle, α-ketoglutarate is oxidized to succinyl-CoA, generating reducing equivalents (NADH and FADH2) that drive ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation.

3. **Aspartate Role:** Aspartate, the product of the transamination reaction, serves several important functions:
* **Neurotransmitter:** It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
* **Gluconeogenesis:** Aspartate can be converted back to oxaloacetate, which is a precursor for glucose synthesis during gluconeogenesis.
* **Urea Cycle:** Aspartate is an essential substrate for the urea cycle, the primary pathway for the removal of ammonia from the body.

The glutamate catabolic process to aspartate is tightly regulated by various factors, including the availability of substrates, enzyme activity, and cellular energy demands. Its dysregulation is implicated in various neurological and metabolic disorders.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (6)