Branched-chain amino acid pathway

The branched-chain amino acid pathway encompasses the series of metabolic steps required for the catabolism of the essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino acids are transaminated by branched-chain aminotransferase (BCAT1 in the cytosol, BCAT2 in mitochondria) to yield branched-chain α-keto acids, which are then further degraded by the branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) multienzyme complex. The pathway is critical for energy production, protein synthesis, and several signaling mechanisms, particularly through mTOR, influencing muscle growth, metabolic regulation, and disease pathology in cancer, metabolic syndrome, and neurological disorders[1][2][4][5][7].

Other names

BCAA catabolic pathwayBCAA metabolismbranched-chain amino acid catabolic pathway

Enzyme inhibition (e.g., BCAT or BCKDH inhibitors disrupt BCAA catabolism, affecting disease progression in cancer and metabolic disorders). BCAA supplementation: increases substrate availability for protein synthesis and mTOR activation.