Leucine Metabolic Pathway

The leucine metabolic pathway encompasses the transport, catabolism, and utilization of the essential branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) leucine. This pathway is crucial for energy production, protein synthesis regulation, and cellular signaling in various tissues including muscle, liver, adipose tissue, and brain. It provides acetyl-CoA and acetoacetate for energy metabolism, regulates muscle protein synthesis via mTOR signaling, supports fatty acid synthesis through its metabolites, and modulates glucose uptake and mitochondrial biogenesis. Key enzymes include branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCATm) and branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC).

Other names

Leucine catabolismLeucine metabolism