Branched-chain-2-oxoacid decarboxylase

The enzyme branched-chain-2-oxoacid decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.72) catalyzes the chemical reaction

(3S)-3-methyl-2-oxopentanoate ${\displaystyle \rightleftharpoons }$ 2-methylbutanal + CO₂

This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically the carboxy-lyases, which cleave carbon-carbon bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is (3S)-3-methyl-2-oxopentanoate carboxy-lyase (2-methylbutanal-forming). Other names in common use include branched-chain oxo acid decarboxylase, branched-chain alpha-keto acid decarboxylase, branched-chain keto acid decarboxylase, BCKA, and (3S)-3-methyl-2-oxopentanoate carboxy-lyase.

• Oku H, Kaneda T (1988). "Biosynthesis of branched-chain fatty acids in Bacillus subtilis. A decarboxylase is essential for branched-chain fatty acid synthetase". J. Biol. Chem. 263 (34): 18386–96. PMID 3142877.