Breakthrough in Itaconate's Journey in the Body
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how itaconate, a small molecule produced by the body, moves within the body. The study, published in Nature Metabolism, was led by Professor Thekla Cordes from TU Braunschweig and Professor Christian Metallo from the Salk Institute. This discovery could pave the way for more targeted therapies using itaconate in the future.
The team used stable isotope tracer technology and mass spectrometry to track itaconate's journey in the body. They found that most itaconate is excreted via the kidneys, but some is converted into central metabolic products and fed into the citric acid cycle. Itaconate, which fights bacteria and regulates the immune response, temporarily inhibits the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase, protecting cells from harmful reoxygenation processes. It also influences enzymes involved in energy production and amino acid processing by forming itaconyl-CoA.
Researchers worldwide are investigating itaconate's potential to treat diseases. However, the team warns against prematurely taking itaconate preparations to influence the immune response, as further studies are required.
The study provides important foundations for developing more targeted therapies using itaconate in the future. Led by Professor Thekla Cordes from TU Braunschweig and Professor Christian Metallo from the Salk Institute, the research involved colleagues from the University of California, San Diego, and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research. This breakthrough brings us one step closer to harnessing the full potential of itaconate in treating various diseases.
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