L-leucine biosynthetic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of L-leucine, 2-amino-4-methylpentanoic acid. [GOC:ai]

The biosynthesis of L-leucine, an essential amino acid, is a complex metabolic pathway that begins with the conversion of pyruvate to α-ketoisovalerate. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase. α-ketoisovalerate is then decarboxylated to isovaleryl-CoA, a key intermediate in the pathway, by the enzyme α-ketoisovalerate decarboxylase. Isovaleryl-CoA is then converted to 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA by the enzyme isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase. This step is followed by the hydration of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA to 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyryl-CoA by the enzyme 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase. 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyryl-CoA is then converted to L-leucine by the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase. This final step in the pathway involves the reduction of 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyryl-CoA to L-leucine. The synthesis of L-leucine requires the participation of several enzymes, including pyruvate dehydrogenase, α-ketoisovalerate decarboxylase, isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase, 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase. These enzymes are located in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)