Glutamate, one of the two acidic proteinogenic amino acids, is also a key molecule in cellular metabolism. The synthesis of α-KG from glutamate by glutamate dehydrogenase is a key TCA cycle anaplerotic reaction. In humans, glutamate plays an important role both in amino acid degradation and disposal of excess or waste nitrogen. Within the mammalian nervous system, glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter. It is believed to be involved in learning and memory and may also be involved in diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, some forms of mental retardation, and Alzheimer′s disease. Glutamate is present in a wide variety of foods, and has been used as a flavor enhancer in food industry.
