# Dodecanedioic Acid: Alternative Carbon Substrate or Toxic Metabolite?

## TL;DR

This study explores how dodecanedioic acid (DODA) is metabolized and its potential as a carbon source that could help rebalance cellular energy metabolism.

## Contribution

The paper presents novel data on DODA metabolism and its role in altering cellular carbon substrate preferences.

## Key findings

- Cells oxidize DODA to produce acetyl-CoA and succinate, replenishing the Krebs cycle.
- DODA treatment alters metabolic profiles and impacts energy metabolism pathways.
- DODA administration promotes metabolic flexibility by reducing overreliance on a single carbon substrate.

## Abstract

Twelve-carbon dicarboxylic acid dodecanedioic acid (DODA) has gained recent interest as an alternative nutrient. However, little is known about DODA cellular metabolism. Our study presents novel data on DODA metabolism and its potential role as an alternative carbon substrate. Cells are readily oxidizing DODA as a primary carbon source, yielding acetyl-CoA and succinate and replenishing the Krebs cycle. Furthermore, cells treated with DODA are characterized by a distinct metabolic profile, whereas pathways associated with energy metabolism are highly impacted. We also found that DODA administration alters carbon substrate preferences for respiration, restricting overreliance on one substrate as a primary fuel. Consequently, by rebalancing cellular energy metabolism, DODA as a supplemental carbon source may have significant therapeutic implications in conditions that are characterized by energy deficiency and metabolic inflexibility.