Bacterial citric acid cycle (TCA cycle (bacterial))

Molecular Classification

Other (series of metabolic enzymes), Enzyme (when considering individual components)

Other Names

Krebs cycle (bacterial), Tricarboxylic acid cycle (bacterial), Szent–Györgyi–Krebs cycle (bacterial)

Disease Roles

Infection (metabolic adaption linked to antibiotic tolerance and persistence)Other (potential role in metabolic adaptation of pathogens)

Bacterial citric acid cycle Overview

The **bacterial citric acid cycle** (also known as the Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle) is a core metabolic pathway in bacteria that oxidizes acetyl-CoA to carbon dioxide, producing energy in the form of ATP, and generating NADH and FADH₂ for cell respiration[1][3][5][6][8]. In bacteria, the cycle occurs in the cytosol and is essential for energy production and biosynthesis of key intermediates. Variations and regulatory alterations of this pathway play a significant role in bacterial physiology, including the development of metabolic-based antibiotic tolerance[2][4][10]. The pathway itself is too broad to be considered a conventional drug target; however, individual enzymes within the pathway (such as isocitrate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, etc.) have been studied as potential antimicrobial targets.

Mechanism of Action

Null

Biological Functions

Central energy metabolism

Oxidation of acetyl-CoA

ATP production

NADH/FADH2 generation

Providing metabolic intermediates for biosynthesis

Disease Associations

Infection (metabolic adaption linked to antibiotic tolerance and persistence)

Other (potential role in metabolic adaptation of pathogens)

Safety Considerations

Null

Interacting Drugs

Null

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
Null