Bicarbonate metabolism

Bicarbonate metabolism refers to the integrated biological processes governing the formation, transport, and utilization of bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) in the body. **Bicarbonate** is a crucial component in the primary extracellular buffering system, known as the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system. This system maintains acid-base homeostasis by neutralizing excess acids or bases, crucial for enzyme function, metabolic processes, and the physiological pH of blood and other fluids[1][3][7]. Bicarbonate is generated from carbon dioxide and water via the action of carbonic anhydrase and is regulated chiefly by the lungs (through respiration of CO₂) and kidneys (through conservational and excretory processes)[1][5][10]. Bicarbonate metabolism is not a singular protein, enzyme, transporter, or canonical therapeutic **target**; rather, it describes a biochemical pathway and system involving several molecular entities (e.g., SLC4 and SLC26 bicarbonate transporters, carbonic anhydrases)[2][4][6]. Dysfunction in this system can result in disorders such as metabolic acidosis and alkalosis and is implicated in disease states like chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and cancer[4][9][10]. In clinical practice, serum bicarbonate concentration is used as a biomarker to assess acid-base status and the functional integrity of the buffer system. **Note:** - "Bicarbonate metabolism" is not a standard molecular target or receptor but describes a pathway/system. There is something wrong with considering this a singular drug target; correct entries would be individual proteins/entities (e.g., "Sodium-bicarbonate symporter" or "Carbonic anhydrase"), not the overall process of bicarbonate metabolism.

Other names

Bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer systemBicarbonate buffer systemCarbonic acid-bicarbonate system