Malate Assay Kit

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

Malate often referred to as "malate ion" or simply "malate" is a dicarboxylic acid with the molecular formula C4H6O5 and a molar mass of 134.09 g/mol. It plays a mechanical role as an intermediate in several key metabolic processes. Malate is formed in the mitochondria during the citric acid cycle also known as the Krebs cycle. It is also important in malate-aspartate shuttle contributing to the transport of reducing equivalents across the mitochondrial membrane. Various tissues including liver heart and skeletal muscles express malate highlighting its widespread involvement in metabolic functions.

Biological function summary

The activity of malate is linked to energy production within cells. It is involved in the citric acid cycle converting to oxaloacetate via the enzyme malate dehydrogenase whereby NAD+ is reduced to NADH. This conversion contributes to the cycle that generates energy stored in ATP. Malate is also part of the malate-aspartate shuttle a complex that facilitates the transfer of reducing equivalents produced in glycolysis into the mitochondria. These functions enable cells to efficiently produce ATP which is essential for various cellular activities.

Pathways

The role of malate is important in bioenergetic pathways such as the citric acid cycle and gluconeogenesis. In the citric acid cycle malate’s conversion to oxaloacetate by malate dehydrogenase allows continuation of the cycle. Malate serves as a substrate for the malate-aspartate shuttle which transfers electrons across mitochondrial membranes linked to proteins such as aspartate aminotransferase. Through these pathways malate collaborates closely with proteins like NADH and FADH2 which are essential in energy production and metabolic balance within the cell.

Associated diseases and disorders

Malate's involvement has implications in conditions like cancer and metabolic disorders. In cancer alterations in metabolic pathways can shift to favor malate production supporting cancerous growth. Additionally in some metabolic disorders imbalances in malate production or utilization can occur affecting energy homeostasis. Connections exist for instance between malate and mutated forms of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) in cancers which can lead to disruptions in normal cellular metabolism and contribute to oncogenic processes.