Formate

Formate (the anion of formic acid) is a short-chain monocarboxylic acid. In eukaryotes, it represents the predominant transferable form of one-carbon (1C) units between the mitochondrial and cytosolic compartments. At the cellular level, formate is generated mainly through serine catabolism. At the whole-body level, it is derived from multiple amino acids, anaerobic fermentation by gut bacteria, and the detoxification of methanol and formaldehyde.