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In vivo itaconate tracing reveals degradation pathway and turnover kinetics
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|January 13, 2025
Summary
Itaconate, an immunomodulatory metabolite, is rapidly cleared from circulation and metabolized in the liver and kidneys. This study reveals its in vivo degradation kinetics and impact on cellular metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Immunometabolism
- Mitochondrial Function
- Organic Acid Metabolism
Background:
- Itaconate is an immunomodulatory metabolite impacting immune cell function and mitochondrial metabolism.
- It is endogenously produced via tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle during inflammation.
- Itaconate-based therapies are investigated for inflammatory conditions, but its in vivo kinetics are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo turnover, degradation kinetics, and metabolic fate of itaconate.
- To explore the broader metabolic consequences of itaconate administration in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mass spectrometry and in vivo 13C itaconate tracing.
- Analyzed plasma elimination, urinary excretion, and tissue-specific metabolism.
Main Results:
- Itaconate is rapidly eliminated from plasma and excreted in urine.
- Itaconate fuels TCA cycle metabolism in the liver and kidneys.
- In vivo conversion to acetyl-CoA, mesaconate, and citramalate observed.
- Influenced branched-chain amino acid metabolism and succinate levels, impacting SDH and MUT activity.
Conclusions:
- Itaconate undergoes rapid catabolism in vivo, contrasting with in vitro observations.
- This study elucidates novel aspects of itaconate's in vivo metabolic fate and kinetics.
- Findings provide critical insights for developing itaconate-based immunomodulatory therapies.
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