L-alanine (Ala) (Ala)

L-alanine is a non-essential alpha-amino acid that serves as a fundamental building block for protein biosynthesis and plays a pivotal role in the glucose-alanine cycle (PubChem CID 5950). In this cycle, alanine is synthesized in muscle tissue from pyruvate and transported to the liver, where it is converted back into glucose via gluconeogenesis, providing an energy source during fasting or intense exercise (StatPearls, "Biochemistry, Alanine"). While L-alanine itself is not a therapeutic target in the traditional sense of a protein receptor or enzyme, it is a critical metabolite whose levels are regulated by enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (UniProt P00505). Clinically, L-alanine is used in parenteral nutrition to maintain nitrogen balance and is studied for its role in metabolic disorders such as hyperalaninemia and diabetes (HMDB0000161). It is also utilized as a dietary supplement and in the formulation of various pharmaceutical products to support metabolic health.

Other names

(S)-2-aminopropanoic acidL-alpha-alanine2-aminopropionic acidL-Ala

Acts as a substrate for gluconeogenesis and protein synthesis; serves as a nitrogen carrier between muscle and liver (StatPearls).