Summary: Malate dehydrogenase is an enzyme in the citric acid cycle that catalyzes the conversion of malate into oxaloacetate (using NAD+) and vice versa (this is a reversible reaction). Malate dehydrogenase is not to be confused with malic enzyme, which catalyzes the conversion of malate to pyruvate producing NADPH. Malate dehydrogenase is also involved in gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of glucose from smaller molecules.