Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, and muscles. It plays a crucial role in amino acid metabolism by facilitating the transfer of an amino group from aspartate to alpha-ketoglutarate, producing oxaloacetate and glutamate. AST is commonly measured in blood tests to assess liver function and detect potential liver damage. Elevated levels of AST can indicate conditions such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or heart problems, making it an important marker in medical diagnostics.