Valine—pyruvate transaminase

In enzymology, a valine-pyruvate transaminase is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction


 * L-valine + pyruvate $$\rightleftharpoons$$ 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate + L-alanine

Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are L-valine and pyruvate, whereas its two products are 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate and L-alanine.

This enzyme belongs to the family of transferases, specifically the transaminases, which transfer nitrogenous groups. The systematic name of this enzyme class is L-valine:pyruvate aminotransferase. Other names in common use include transaminase C, valine-pyruvate aminotransferase, and alanine-oxoisovalerate aminotransferase. This enzyme participates in valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis.