2,3-Dihydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid

2,3-Dihydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid is an intermediate in the metabolism of isoleucine.

Metabolism
2,3-Dihydroxy-3-methylpentanoate is synthesized by the action of acetolactate mutase with subsequent reduction from α-aceto-α-hydroxybutyrate through 3-hydroxy-2-keto-3-methylpentanoate:


 * α-aceto-α-hydroxybutyrate → 3-hydroxy-2-keto-3-methylpentanoate


 * 3-hydroxy-2-keto-3-methylpentanoate + NAD(P)H → 2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylpentanoate + NAD(P)+

It is then processed by the action of dihydroxyacid dehydratase, which results in 2-keto-3-methylvalerate and water:


 * 2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylpentanoate → 2-keto-3-methylvalerate + H2O

Transamination of 2-keto-3-methylvalerate yields isoleucine.