4-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid (CAS 816-66-0)

4-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid is a key intermediate in the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids, which play a pivotal role in various biochemical pathways, particularly in muscle and adipose tissue. It is primarily formed through the deamination of leucine, one of the essential amino acids for protein synthesis and energy production in cells. As a keto acid, it participates in the catabolism of amino acids, where it undergoes a series of reactions that lead to the production of acetyl-CoA and other important metabolites that enter the Krebs cycle, a core component of cellular respiration. This process is vital for the generation of ATP, the energy currency of the cell, highlighting its fundamental role in bioenergetics and metabolism. In research, 4-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid is extensively studied for its involvement in metabolic disorders and its potential as a biomarker for certain conditions, due to its accumulation in specific metabolic dysfunctions. Its role in metabolic pathways also makes it a subject of interest in studies related to muscle physiology and the metabolic adaptations to various forms of stress, including exercise and nutritional changes.