The mitochondrial citrate carrier: a new player in inflammation

The mitochondrial CIC (citrate carrier) catalyses the efflux of citrate from the mitochondrial matrix in exchange for cytosolic malate. In the present paper we show that CIC mRNA and protein markedly increase in lipopolysaccharide-activated immune cells. Moreover, CIC gene silencing and CIC activity inhibition significantly reduce production of NO, reactive oxygen species and prostaglandins. These results demonstrate for the first time that CIC has a critical role in inflammation.