Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This): A Review and Perspectives on Aspartic Acid Production

Abstract

Aspartic acid, or “aspartate,” is a non-essential, four carbon amino acid produced and used by the body in two enantiomeric forms: L-aspartic acid and D-aspartic acid. The L-configuration of amino acids is the dominant form used in protein synthesis; thus, L-aspartic acid is by far the more common configuration. However, D-aspartic acid is one of only two known D-amino acids biosynthesized by eukaryotes. While L-aspartic acid is used in protein biosynthesis and neurotransmission, D-aspartic acid is associated with neurogenesis and the endocrine system. Aspartic acid production and use has been growing in recent years. The purpose of this article is to discuss various perspectives on aspartic acid, including its industrial utility, global markets, production and manufacturing, optimization, challenges, and future outlook. As such, this review will provide a thorough background on this key biochemical.

Differential and synergistic effects of low birth weight and Western diet on skeletal muscle vasculature, mitochondrial lipid metabolism and insulin signaling in male guinea pigs

“…The amino acids, Ala, Asp and Phe were also significantly elevated in skeletal muscle of WD-fed offspring, an interesting observation, given high serum levels of these amino acids namely Ala and Phe, are found in prediabetes or MetS [106]. Ala is a glucogenic amino acid that can facilitate glucose metabolism, help alleviate hypoglycemia, and improve the body's energy [105], similar to Asp which is also a glucogenic amino acid and necessary for protein synthesis in mammalian cells [107]. Additionally, Phe is a glucogenic/ketogenic amino acid used to produce proteins and important molecules, and elevated Phe levels are associated with severe metabolic disturbance [108].…”

Differential and Synergistic Effects of Low Birth Weight and Western Diet on Skeletal Muscle Vasculature, Mitochondrial Lipid Metabolism and Insulin Signaling in Male Guinea Pigs

“…The amino acids, Ala, Asp, and Phe, were also significantly elevated in skeletal muscle of WD-fed offspring, an interesting observation, given high serum levels of these amino acids, namely Ala and Phe, are found in pre-diabetes or MetS [107]. Ala is a glucogenic amino acid that can facilitate glucose metabolism, help alleviate hypoglycemia, and improve the body's energy [106], similar to Asp, which is also a glucogenic amino acid and necessary for protein synthesis in mammalian cells [108]. Additionally, Phe is a glucogenic/ketogenic amino acid used to produce proteins and important molecules, and elevated Phe levels are associated with severe metabolic disturbance [109].…”

Investigation of amino acids content in the herb and tubers of Stachys sieboldii

“…Its capacity to aid in energy production, DNA and RNA synthesis, fatigue resistance, and liver detoxification give it broad clinical use (Kumar et al 2017). Moreover, it is used as an intermediary substrate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, serving as the building block molecule for active pharmaceutical ingredients (Appleton and Rosentrater 2021). L-serine has a diversity of functions and roles from primary protein structure to cell signaling, the latter primarily via post-translational modification by phosphorylation.…”