Aspartate Assay Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Aspartate also known as aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid with a molecular mass of 133.10 g/mol. It is an important component in proteins and is found widely expressed in various tissues throughout the body. Aspartate participates in several metabolic processes acting as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and playing roles in enzyme function as a medium for nitrogen transport and as a substrate in the urea cycle.

Biological function summary

Members of the broader aspartate family are important in several biochemical areas. Aspartic acid works as a precursor for the synthesis of other amino acids and nucleotides. It also forms part of aspartate transaminase an enzyme that contributes to the transfer of amino groups. In cellular metabolism aspartate integrates into the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines contributing to nucleotide formation which is critical for DNA and RNA production.

Pathways

The role of aspartate extends to significant metabolic routes. It participates in the citric acid cycle also known as the Krebs cycle where it can be converted into oxaloacetate. It also maps to the urea cycle where it acts to eliminate excess nitrogen from organisms. Through these pathways aspartate interacts with proteins such as fumarase and argininosuccinate synthase highlighting its connectivity to fundamental metabolism.

Associated diseases and disorders

Abnormalities in aspartate levels can associate with specific medical conditions. For instance elevated aspartate transaminase may indicate liver disease as damaged liver cells release plentiful enzymes into the bloodstream. Furthermore aspartate dysregulation is linked to disorders like hyperammonemia where the protein's failure to connect to glutamate and urea cycle proteins such as ornithine transcarbamylase results in excess ammonia levels in the blood.