Reaction: (3S)-3-methyl-2-oxopentanoate = 2-methylbutanal + CO2
Other name(s): branched-chain oxo acid decarboxylase; branched-chain alpha-keto acid decarboxylase; branched-chain keto acid decarboxylase; BCKA; (3S)-3-methyl-2-oxopentanoate carboxy-lyase
Systematic name: (3S)-3-methyl-2-oxopentanoate carboxy-lyase (2-methylbutanal-forming)
Comments: Acts on a number of 2-oxo acids, with a high affinity towards branched-chain substrates. The aldehyde formed may be enzyme-bound, and may be an intermediate in the bacterial system for the biosynthesis of branched-chain fatty acids.
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, CAS registry number: 63653-19-0
References:
1. Oku, H. and Kaneda, T. Biosynthesis of branched-chain fatty acids in Bacillus subtilis. A decarboxylase is essential for branched-chain fatty acid synthetase. J. Biol. Chem. 263 (1988) 18386-18396. [PMID: 3142877]