Glutamine via α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase provides succinyl-CoA for heme synthesis during erythropoiesis

Key Points During late erythropoiesis, exogenous glutamine, rather than TCA cycle intermediates, provides carbons for succinyl-CoA for heme synthesis. Itaconate, a compound manufactured as part of the inflammatory response, inhibits heme synthesis in cells undergoing erythropoiesis.