CitA activity is modulated by cysteine oxidation and pyruvate binding.

As an adaptation for survival during infection, becomes dormant, reducing its metabolism and growth. Two types of citrate synthases have been identified in , GltA2 and CitA. Previous work shows that overexpression of CitA, the secondary citrate synthase, stimulates the growth of under hypoxic conditions without showing accumulation of triacylglycerols and makes mycobacteria more sensitive to antibiotics, suggesting that CitA may play a role as a metabolic switch during infection and may be an interesting TB drug target.