How is acetyl CoA transported out of mitochondria to cytosol?

Acetyl CoA is transported out of mitochondria to the cytosol as citrate. Acetyl CoA, which is produced in the mitochondria by oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate or the oxidation of fatty acids, is unable to pass the mitochondrial membrane. Instead, it is transported out of the mitochondria as citrate, which is generated by the condensation of acetyl CoA with oxaloacetate by the enzyme citrate synthase. The newly formed citrate is transported to the cytosol via the tricarboxylate anion carrier system. On reaching the cytosol, citrate is converted back to oxaloacetate and acetyl CoA is released.