Citrate--new functions for an old metabolite

Biol Chem. 2014 Apr;395(4):387-99. doi: 10.1515/hsz-2013-0271.

Abstract

Citrate is an important substrate in cellular energy metabolism. It is produced in the mitochondria and used in the Krebs cycle or released into cytoplasm through a specific mitochondrial carrier, CIC. In the cytosol, citrate and its derivatives, acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate, are used in normal and pathological processes. Beyond the classical role as metabolic regulator, recent studies have highlighted that citrate is involved in inflammation, cancer, insulin secretion, histone acetylation, neurological disorders, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Monitoring changes in the citrate levels could therefore potentially be used as diagnostic tool. This review highlights these new aspects of citrate functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Animals
  • Citric Acid / metabolism*
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Secretion
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Nervous System Diseases / metabolism
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / metabolism

Substances

  • Histones
  • Insulin
  • Citric Acid