Introduction

• Full name: Lactate dehydrogenase A chain
• Primary functions:
• Converts pyruvate to lactate
• Converts NADH to NAD⁺
• Important for:
• Metabolism
• Quick ATP production
• Muscle function during exercise

Structure and Function Physical Structure:

• Contains four subunits
• Has NAD⁺ binding site
• Active region for substrate interaction
• Forms enzyme complex

Key Functions:

• Supports glycolysis in low oxygen
• Enables rapid ATP production
• Converts pyruvate to lactate
• Replenishes NAD⁺
• Produces lactate as:
• Previously thought waste product
• Now recognized energy source
• Potential signalling molecule

Health and Disease Metabolic Disorders:

• Associated with:
• Acidosis
• Mitochondrial diseases
• High blood lactate levels
• Risk factors:
• Sepsis
• Intense physical activity
• Genetic conditions
• Connection to diabetes:
• Affects glucose balance
• Influences metabolic health

Cancer Metabolism:

• Involved in Warburg effect
• Cancer cells prefer glycolysis
• Elevated LDHA levels lead to:
• Increased lactate production
• Acidic tumor environment
• Enhanced tumor growth
• Cancer spread
• Potential therapeutic target

Regulation of Activity Control Factors:

• Substrate availability
• pH levels
• NADH levels
• Translational changes

Post-translational Modifications:

• Phosphorylation
• Acetylation
• Affected by:
• Growth factors
• Stress factors
• Enables cellular adaptation

Future Perspectives and Research Directions

• Development of LDHA inhibitors
• Treatment potential for:
• Cancer
• Metabolic disorders
• Use as disease progression marker
• Focus on:
• Understanding balance in health/disease
• Developing control strategies
• Innovative treatment approaches
• Expanding metabolic research