Description

L-valine is a white powder with the chemical formula C5H11NO2. This α-amino acid is one of the three branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine, and isoleucine) essential for animal health and important in metabolism. This substance is commercially crucial for the need to supplement food or feed and is used in medical treatment and biochemical synthesis precursors.

Biosynthesis

The synthesis of L-valine starts from pyruvate and involves four enzymes, namely acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS), acetohydroxyacid isomeroreductase (AHAIR), dihydroxyacid dehydratase (DHAD), and transaminase B (TA). The synthesis and regulation of L-valine in C. glutamicum, E. coli, and B. subtilis are not identical. In C. glutamicum, AHAS is the initiation enzyme of three branched-chain amino acids and a key enzyme in the synthesis pathway of L-valine. Encoded by ilvB and ilvN, AHAS catalyzed two pyruvate molecules to form 2-acetolactate. BrnFE is a two-component osmotic enzyme in C. glutamicum, which is responsible for the export of L-valine[1]. The protein BrnFE transports L-valine to the outside of the cell, and the import of L-valine is performed by the protein BrnQ.

Uses

l-valine can improve the lactation function of breeding animals and has been considered one of the limiting amino acids in animal feed for poultry and pigs. The addition of L-valine can make cosmetics have a moisturizing function and promote the synthesis of collagen. In the pharmaceutical industry, L-valine is widely used as a component of third-generation amino acids infusion and is highly tolerant to synthesizing and decomposing muscle protein; it has a critical role in pharmacological nutrients for patients with chronic liver disease[1-2].

Benefits

As an essential amino acid, this compound could bring many benefits. L-valine is involved in synthesizing proteins, which is necessary for the growth and repair of muscle tissue. Hence, it could promote muscle growth and repair, which is particularly important for athletes and bodybuilders. In addition, it also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which is vital for maintaining consistent energy throughout the day. It could support cognitive function as L-valine is involved in the production of neurotransmitters, which are essential for cognitive function and mental clarity.

Side effects

L-valine is a natural substance that is necessary for our health. As such, it generally does not have any side effects. However, taking large quantities of L-valine can cause fatigue, nausea, and a lack of muscle coordination. Extremely high doses of L-valine can be dangerous.

References

[1] Hui Gao. "Engineering of microbial cells for L-valine production: challenges and opportunities." Microbial Cell Factories (2021): 172.

[2] Xiaoyuan Wang, Peter J. Quinn, Hailing Zhang. "Production of l-valine from metabolically engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum." Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 102 10 (2018): 4319–4330.