Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the reversible oxidative deamination of glutamate to α-ketoglutarate, linking amino acid metabolism to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. GDH plays a critical role in nitrogen and energy metabolism, glutamine anaplerosis, and neurotransmitter regulation. Assay kits for GDH activity provide sensitive, reliable, and convenient tools for measuring enzyme function in various biological samples.

Role of Glutamate Dehydrogenase in Intermediary Metabolism

• Amino Acid and Energy Metabolism: GDH converts glutamate into α-ketoglutarate, replenishing TCA cycle intermediates (anaplerosis) and linking nitrogen metabolism to energy production.
• Neurotransmitter Regulation: By modulating glutamate levels, GDH influences excitatory neurotransmission and brain function.
• Insulin Secretion: GDH activity affects pancreatic β-cell metabolism and insulin release.
• Metabolic Flexibility: The reversible reaction allows cells to adapt to varying metabolic demands by balancing amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism.

Kit Features and Methodology

• Sample Types: Suitable for serum, plasma, urine, and animal tissue homogenates.
• Sensitivity and Range: Detection limits around 0.54 U/L with linear ranges typically from 0.54 to 25 U/L.
• Assay Time: Approximately 30–35 minutes at 37°C.
• Format: 96-well microplate format compatible with standard microplate readers.
• Storage: Reagents stable at 2–8°C for up to 12 months.
• Precision: Inter-assay and intra-assay coefficients of variation generally below 5%.

Applications

• Metabolic Research: Investigating amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and TCA cycle dynamics.
• Clinical Studies: Assessing GDH activity in metabolic disorders, liver function, and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Pharmacology: Screening compounds affecting GDH activity or glutamate metabolism.
• Biochemical Characterization: Studying enzyme kinetics and regulation.
• Animal and Human Tissue Analysis: Quantifying GDH in various tissues to understand metabolic adaptations.

Glutamate dehydrogenase assay kits provide essential tools for quantifying GDH activity, facilitating research into amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and metabolic diseases. Their enzymatic colorimetric methods offer sensitive, reliable, and convenient measurements across diverse biological samples. These assays support advances in metabolic biochemistry, clinical research, and drug discovery.