Description
Malate Dehydrogenase (MDH) (EC 1.1.1.37) reversibly converts L-Malate into oxaloacetate in the presence of NAD+. In eukaryotic cells, malate dehydrogenase has 2 isoforms, MDH1 and MDH2. MDH1 is cytosolic and participates in the malate-aspartate shuttle, which transports malate into the mitochondria. Malate will then be utilized for the generation of ATP. MDH2, on the other hand, is a mitochondrial enzyme that participates in the citric acid cycle. MDH2 activity is increased in some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and abnormal MDH activity in serum can serve as a diagnostic tool for severe liver damage (e.g. Hepatocellular carcinoma).
