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Branched-chain amino-acid transaminase 1, cytosolic (BCAT1 (also referred to as BCATc))

Target
BCAT1 (also referred to as BCATc)
Molecular classification
Enzyme, Aminotransferase
01

Overview

Branched-chain amino-acid transaminase 1, cytosolic (BCAT1, or BCATc) is an enzyme primarily responsible for the first cytosolic step in the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine), transferring the amino group to α-ketoglutarate to produce glutamate and the corresponding branched-chain α-keto acids[5][7]. BCAT1 is highly expressed in the central nervous system and in proliferating cells, including various tumors, and is inducible in immune cells upon stimulation[5][1]. By regulating branched-chain amino acid availability, BCAT1 impacts energy production, cell signaling (notably mTORC1 signaling), and antioxidant defense in cancer and immune cells[1][3][5]. Aberrant BCAT1 expression is associated with disease states such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and diabetes, making it a potential therapeutic target and biomarker in these contexts[3][5][7].

Other names
BCATcBCT1ECA39MECA39PNAS121PP18
02

Mechanism of action

Reversible transamination of branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) with α-ketoglutarate to form glutamate and branched-chain α-keto acids Regulation of mTORC1 signaling through modulation of leucine availability in immune and cancer cells

03

Biological functions

Branched-chain amino acid metabolismAmino acid catabolismImmune modulationCell proliferationEnergy metabolism
04

Disease associations

CancerNeurological diseaseDiabetesImmune regulation
05

Safety considerations

Potential impact on global amino acid homeostasis and essential amino acid metabolismTargeting may cause immunosuppressionLimited tissue selectivity due to broad expression in proliferating cells and central nervous system
06

Interacting drugs

None specifically approved or widely recognized; pharmacological inhibitors and research compounds exist but are not established drugs
07

Biomarkers

BCAT1 expression as a biomarker of poor prognosis/aggresiveness in certain tumorsBCAT1 activity measured in metabolic profiling for certain neurological and metabolic disorders

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