key term - Isocitrate dehydrogenase

Definition

Isocitrate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the citric acid cycle by catalyzing the conversion of isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate, accompanied by the reduction of NAD+ to NADH. This enzyme is a key regulatory point in the cycle and is involved in cellular respiration, linking energy production to various metabolic pathways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Isocitrate dehydrogenase exists in three isoforms: IDH1, IDH2, and IDH3, with each having different roles in various tissues and cellular conditions.
2. The reaction catalyzed by isocitrate dehydrogenase is irreversible, making it an important regulatory step in the citric acid cycle.
3. Isocitrate dehydrogenase can utilize either NAD+ or NADP+ as a cofactor, but its primary activity in the cycle involves NAD+.
4. Mutations in the genes encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase have been linked to certain cancers, leading to altered metabolic states.
5. The activity of isocitrate dehydrogenase is regulated by the availability of substrates and products, including isocitrate and alpha-ketoglutarate, as well as by allosteric effectors.

Review Questions

• How does isocitrate dehydrogenase contribute to the regulation of the citric acid cycle?
  • Isocitrate dehydrogenase plays a key regulatory role in the citric acid cycle by catalyzing the conversion of isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate, which is an irreversible reaction. This step is crucial because it helps control the flow of carbon through the cycle based on the cell's energy needs. Additionally, the enzyme's activity is influenced by substrate availability and allosteric regulators, ensuring that it responds dynamically to changes in metabolic demand.
• Discuss the importance of isocitrate dehydrogenase's isoforms and their distinct functions in different tissues.
  • The presence of different isoforms of isocitrate dehydrogenase—IDH1, IDH2, and IDH3—reflects the enzyme's specialization in various tissues. IDH1 is primarily found in the cytosol and contributes to cellular redox balance, while IDH2 resides in the mitochondria and plays a significant role in mitochondrial metabolism. IDH3, also located in mitochondria, directly participates in the citric acid cycle. Each isoform's unique function emphasizes the adaptability of cellular metabolism across different physiological contexts.
• Evaluate how mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase affect cellular metabolism and their implications for cancer development.
  • Mutations in the genes encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase can lead to aberrant metabolic processes that contribute to cancer development. For instance, certain mutations result in a neomorphic enzyme activity that converts alpha-ketoglutarate to 2-hydroxyglutarate, an oncometabolite that disrupts normal cellular functions. This altered metabolism can affect epigenetic regulation and cellular signaling pathways, promoting oncogenesis. Understanding these mutations provides insights into targeted therapies aimed at re-establishing normal metabolic control in cancer cells.

Related terms

Citric Acid Cycle: A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

NAD+:

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme found in all living cells that plays a vital role in redox reactions and acts as an electron carrier.

Alpha-Ketoglutarate: A key intermediate in the citric acid cycle that is formed from isocitrate by the action of isocitrate dehydrogenase and can also serve as a precursor for amino acid synthesis.