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Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Brain Metabolism

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Abstract

This review aims to provide a historical reference of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism and provide a link between peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) metabolism of BCAAs. Leucine, isoleucine, and valine (Leu, Ile, and Val) are unlike most other essential amino acids (AA), being transaminated initially in extrahepatic tissues, and requiring interorgan or intertissue shuttling for complete catabolism. Within the periphery, BCAAs are essential AAs and are required for protein synthesis, and are key nitrogen donors in the form of Glu, Gln, and Ala. Leucine is an activator of the mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin, the master regulator of cell growth and proliferation. The tissue distribution and activity of the catabolic enzymes in the peripheral tissues as well as neurological effects in Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) show the BCAAs have a role in the CNS. Interestingly, there are significant differences between murine and human CNS enzyme distribution and activities. In the CNS, BCAAs have roles in neurotransmitter synthesis, protein synthesis, food intake regulation, and are implicated in diseases. MSUD is the most prolific disease associated with BCAA metabolism, affecting the branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC). Mutations in the branched-chain aminotransferases (BCATs) and the kinase for BCKDC also result in neurological dysfunction. However, there are many questions of BCAA metabolism in the CNS (as well as the periphery) that remain elusive. We discuss areas of BCAA and BCKA metabolism that have yet to be researched adequately.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Neela Yennawar for analysis of the structural mutations of the mitochondrial BCAT.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Integrated Life Sciences Building (0913), 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA

    Justin E. Sperringer, Adele Addington & Susan M. Hutson

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  1. Justin E. Sperringer
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  2. Adele Addington
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  3. Susan M. Hutson
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Correspondence to Justin E. Sperringer.

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Sperringer, J.E., Addington, A. & Hutson, S.M. Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Brain Metabolism. Neurochem Res 42, 1697–1709 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-017-2261-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-017-2261-5

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