NCIt definition : A family of genes that encode enzymes that catalyze the decarboxylation of isocitrate
yielding alpha-ketoglutarate and carbon dioxide. Alpha-ketoglutarate is a precursor
used in the synthesis of alanine, glutamine and pyruvate, and is an important intermediate
in the citric acid cycle, which is an essential metabolic pathway used by cells to
produce energy through aerobic respiration. Mutations in the IDH1 and IDH2 genes are
associated with several types of brain tumors.;