The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle, is a central metabolic pathway that occurs within the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. The cycle begins with the formation of citrate from oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA and ends with the formation of carbon dioxide, water, and oxaloacetate regeneration. TCA metabolites are by-products of energy metabolism with essential roles in cellular homeostasis, fueling anabolic reactions and adjusting metabolic pathways through signaling cascades or allosteric modulation of key enzymes. However, their specific involvement in aging is a topic of ongoing research and investigation.
Fig. 1 The tricarboxylic acid cycle. (Szabo L, et al. 2020)
At CD BioSciences, we delve into the realm of aging biology to explore how alterations in TCA cycle intermediates impact the aging process. our team comprises experienced researchers, scientists, and bioinformaticians. This depth of expertise allows us to offer specialized guidance and cutting-edge services in TCA intermediates analysis.
Sample Requirements
To help our clients accurately analyze TCA intermediates, we recommend meeting the following sample requirements to efficiently extract and quantify these metabolites. It is crucial to handle and store samples properly to prevent the degradation of TCA intermediates. Proper storage conditions, such as freezing at appropriate temperatures or using specific storage buffers, are essential to maintain the integrity of the metabolites for accurate analysis.
| Sample types |
Recommended sample volume |
| Tissue samples: muscle biopsies, brain tissue, adipose tissue, liver samples, etc. |
200 mg/sample |
| Blood samples: plasma and serum |
200 μL/sample |
| Cell cultures: mainly primary cells |
1×107 cells/sample |
Types of Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Intermediates We Analyze in Aging
Our analysis encompasses a spectrum of TCA cycle intermediates, including citrate, isocitrate, α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), succinyl-CoA, succinate, fumarate, and malate. By studying the levels of these metabolites, we aim to decipher the metabolic alterations associated with aging and their implications for age-related conditions.
Our Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Intermediates Analysis Services
Metabolic profiling of TCA intermediates in aging
We offer metabolic profiling services that encompass the measurement of TCA cycle intermediates alongside other metabolic markers to provide a comprehensive understanding of age-related metabolic changes and their association with aging-related conditions.
Tissue-specific TCA intermediates analysis
Our specialized services focus on the analysis of TCA cycle intermediates in specific tissues or organs known to be affected by aging, such as brain tissue, skeletal muscle, or adipose tissue. By examining the differential regulation of TCA metabolites in tissue samples, we aim to unravel the tissue-specific metabolic signatures of aging.
Analysis of TCA intermediates in aging-related changes in epigenetic status
By quantifying TCA intermediates, such as acetyl-CoA and α-KG, we can correlate changes in metabolite levels with alterations in epigenetic markers. Our integrative analysis provides insights into how metabolic fluctuations impact epigenetic status during aging.
CD BioSciences provides TCA cycle intermediates analysis services, poised to unlock the metabolic secrets of aging biology. By elucidating the molecular pathways and regulatory mechanisms, we aim to facilitate the discovery of targeted strategies for promoting healthy aging and combating age-related conditions. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.
Reference
- Borkum JM. The Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle as a Central Regulator of the Rate of Aging: Implications for Metabolic Interventions. Adv Biol (Weinh), 2023, 7 (7), e2300095.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
