Anti-HMGCL

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the HMG-CoA lyase family. It is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the final step of leucine degradation and plays a key role in ketone body formation. Mutations in this gene are associated with HMG-CoA lyase deficiency. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. Protein function: Key enzyme in ketogenesis (ketone body formation). Terminal step in leucine catabolism. Ketone bodies (beta- hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate and acetone) are essential as an alternative source of energy to glucose, as lipid precursors and as regulators of metabolism. [The UniProt Consortium]