Tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate (TCA intermediate)

Tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates are small molecules generated at sequential steps of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (also called the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle), a critical metabolic pathway in mitochondria for aerobic energy production and carbon flow into various biosynthetic routes[1][4]. The main intermediates include citrate, isocitrate, α-ketoglutarate, succinyl-CoA, succinate, fumarate, malate, and oxaloacetate[1][3][6]. These intermediates are not individual therapeutic targets or receptors; rather, they serve as substrates and signaling mediators influencing energy metabolism, cell signaling, immune responses, epigenetic regulation, and disease pathogenesis, particularly as some accumulate abnormally in cancer (so-called "oncometabolites" such as succinate, fumarate, and 2-hydroxyglutarate)[1][2][5]. Note on correctness: - This is not a protein, gene, receptor, or classic drug target. Rather, it refers to a set of metabolites, making "Tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates" an incorrect canonical drug target entry. Instead, individual cycle enzymes (e.g., isocitrate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase) are valid therapeutic targets[1][2][4][5]. If structured canonical information is needed, consider replacing this entry with a specific molecule (such as “Succinate” or “Fumarate”) or with the corresponding enzyme (e.g., “Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1”).

Other names

Citric acid cycle intermediateKrebs cycle intermediate

Modulation of metabolism, Regulation of epigenetics, Control of immune cell activation