A two-carbon group from Acetyl-CoA is transferred to oxaloacetate to form citric acid. Citric acid is then converted to isocitric acid through a cis-aconitic intermediate using the enzyme aconitase. Aconitase is an iron-sulfate protein that controls iron homeostasis.
References:
- Bullock GC, Delehanty LL, Talbot A-L, et al. Iron control of erythroid development by a novel aconitase-associated regulatory pathway. Blood. 2010;116(1):97-108.
- Paul BT, Manz DH, Torti FM, Torti SV. Mitochondria and Iron: current questions. Expert Rev Hematol. 2017;10(1):65-79. 120. Han D, Canali R, Garcia J, Aguilera R, Gallaher TK, Cadenas E. Sites and Mechanisms of Aconitase Inactivation by Peroxynitrite: Modulation by Citrate and Glutathione. Biochemistry. 2005;44(36):11986-11996.
- Pace C, Dagda R, Angermann J. Antioxidants protect against arsenic induced mitochondrial cardio-toxicity. Toxics. 2017;5(4):38.
- Zatta P, Lain E, Cagnolini C. Effects of aluminum on activity of Citric Acid Cycle enzymes and glutamate dehydrogenase in rat brain homogenate. Eur J Biochem. 2000;267(10):3049-3055.
- Carocci A, Rovito N, Sinicropi MS, Genchi G. Mercury toxicity and neurodegenerative effects. In: Rev Environ Contam Toxicol. Springer; 2014:1-18.
- Houston MC. The role of mercury and cadmium heavy metals in vascular disease, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and myocardial infarction. Altern Ther Health Med. 2007;13(2):S128-S133.
Citric Acid
Every lab result you’ve ever had, charted and explained.
Healthmatters is a tracker for your lab results. Upload a report from any lab, any country — every marker charted and explained.
Start with my report →
All our content is backed by peer-reviewed studies, academic research, and trusted medical sources. We’re committed to accuracy and transparency — see our editorial policy for details.