A common enzyme takes on a surprising role in preventing cancer

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center and Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified ALDH4A1, a mitochondrial proline-metabolizing enzyme, as a third structural component of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) complex. Forming a trimeric assembly with MPC1 and MPC2, ALDH4A1 maintains MPC integrity and facilitates pyruvate import into mitochondria.