mitochondrial alpha-ketoglutarate transmembrane transport

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which alpha-ketoglutarate is transported across a mitochondrial membrane, into or out of the mitochondrion. [PMID:11013234, PMID:20371607]

Mitochondrial alpha-ketoglutarate transmembrane transport is a crucial process for cellular respiration and metabolism. Alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG), a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, is produced in the mitochondrial matrix and needs to be transported across the inner mitochondrial membrane to the cytosol, where it participates in various metabolic pathways. The transport is mediated by a specific membrane protein, the mitochondrial alpha-ketoglutarate transporter (OGT), which functions as a symporter. It simultaneously moves α-KG from the mitochondrial matrix to the cytosol and protons from the intermembrane space to the matrix. This coupled movement of α-KG and protons is driven by the electrochemical proton gradient generated by the electron transport chain across the inner mitochondrial membrane. The transport process begins with the binding of α-KG and protons to the OGT protein on the matrix side of the membrane. The conformational change in OGT allows the translocation of both α-KG and protons to the cytosol. The net effect of this transport is the movement of α-KG from the mitochondria to the cytosol while maintaining the proton gradient across the membrane. This transport is essential for the anaplerotic reactions of the citric acid cycle, providing α-KG as a precursor for the synthesis of various amino acids and other metabolites. Moreover, α-KG plays a crucial role in the regulation of cellular redox status and gene expression through its involvement in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the synthesis of NADPH. Therefore, the efficient transport of α-KG across the mitochondrial membrane is essential for maintaining cellular energy production, metabolic homeostasis, and overall cellular function.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)