Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
Malate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial (MDH2)
- Target
- MDH2
- Molecular classification
- Enzyme, Oxidoreductase, Mitochondrial protein
01
Overview
Malate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial (MDH2) is a homodimeric, NAD-dependent oxidoreductase that catalyzes the reversible interconversion of malate and oxaloacetate in the mitochondrial matrix, a key reaction in the citric acid cycle and malate-aspartate shuttle. It plays a central role in cellular energy production, redox balance, and metabolite exchange across mitochondrial membranes. The protein has distinct NAD-binding and substrate-binding domains, with structural features enabling tight regulation and allosteric modulation. MDH2 is implicated in cancer and metabolic disorders, and is being investigated as a target for anticancer drug development, though any therapeutic inhibition must address concerns related to mitochondrial toxicity and metabolic homeostasis.
- Other names
- Malate dehydrogenase 2MDH2Malate dehydrogenase, mitochondrialDEE51EIEE51M-MDHMDHMGC:3559MOR1malate dehydrogenase, mitochondrialmalate dehydrogenase 2, NAD (mitochondrial)testicular tissue protein Li 120
02
Mechanism of action
Inhibition of MDH2 by small molecules reduces mitochondrial respiration and tumor cell proliferation. Modulation of HIF-1α levels via altered metabolic flux.
03
Biological functions
Citric acid (TCA) cycle (energy metabolism)Malate-aspartate shuttle (metabolic coordination between mitochondria and cytosol)Glyoxylate cycleExchange of reducing equivalents between cellular compartments
04
Disease associations
Cancer (MDH2 is a potential anticancer target; inhibition reduces proliferation and HIF-1α accumulation)Neurometabolic diseases (mutations in MDH2 have been associated with early-onset epileptic encephalopathy)Metabolic disorders
05
Safety considerations
Therapeutic targeting may impact core mitochondrial metabolism, leading to concerns with systemic toxicity such as compromised energy production, especially in tissues that rely heavily on oxidative phosphorylation
06
Interacting drugs
LW6 (HIF-1α inhibitor)
2 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
MDH2 expression/activity can be used as a biomarker for certain cancers and metabolic conditions where the TCA cycle and mitochondrial respiration are altered
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Malate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial (MDH2).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Malate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial (MDH2).