Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase 1 (GOT1)

Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase 1 is a cytoplasmic pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the reversible transamination between L-aspartate and α-ketoglutarate to form oxaloacetate and L-glutamate. It plays a central role in amino acid metabolism, the urea cycle, TCA cycle anaplerosis/cataplerosis via the malate-aspartate shuttle system for NADH transport into mitochondria. In cancer cells—especially those with KRAS mutations—GOT1 supports anabolic growth by maintaining NADPH/NADP+ balance critical for reactive oxygen species detoxification. Its upregulation is linked to tumor progression and poor prognosis; thus it is considered a promising target for anticancer drug development despite potential safety challenges due to its ubiquitous metabolic functions.

Other names

Aspartate aminotransferase, cytoplasmicGlutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1AATC (less common)Cytosolic aspartate aminotransferase

Drugs or inhibitors targeting GOT1 typically act by blocking its enzymatic activity, thereby disrupting the malate-aspartate shuttle, impairing redox homeostasis, and sensitizing cancer cells to metabolic stress such as glucose deprivation.